Top suitor may be losing interest in Paul George
Jan 22, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; LA Clippers guard Paul George (13) brings the ball up court against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
One team that has been heavily linked to a possible pursuit of Paul George appears to be backing off.
The Philadelphia 76ers’ interest in George has “significantly waned” in recent days, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. The Sixers are instead likely to be more aggressive elsewhere instead of launching an all-out pursuit for George in free agency.
The Philadelphia 76ers' interest in pursuing Paul George has significantly waned in recent days, and the franchise is expected to be aggressive elsewhere with its salary cap flexibility and draft capital leading into next week’s NBA Draft, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 20, 2024
It is unclear what changed regarding George in the Sixers’ view. Joel Embiid even went out of his way to recruit George on live television less than a week ago. Perhaps George is no longer seen as a fit, but it does seem to be an abrupt shift from a team that had been heavily linked to George in recent months.
The Los Angeles Clippers are believed to be reluctant to offer George a max contract, and he could fetch $212 million over four years on the open market. Perhaps the Sixers view that as a poor investment, though some other teams might still be eager to get into the mix.
