It was never a guarantee that Paul George would return to Los Angeles. With yesterdays reports from the Clippers organization, that became clear. After five seasons with the Clippers, Paul George is headed to the Philadelphia 76ers on a max contract. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, it’s four-year, $212 million maximum contract.
Before we dive into the deal and why it makes sense. Let’s review the trade that sent PG13 to LA, because it will arguably go down as one of the worst that we’ve ever seen. The Thunder are a team on the rise in the Western Conference and Paul George is now leaving LA.
PG13 went through several rounds of negotiations with the Clippers. Ultimately, the two sided just couldn’t agree on an extension. He had a $48.8 Million option for the 2024-25 season, but he declined it. The tandem of George and Kawhi Leonard joined forces in 2019, during their time together they had only reached the Western Conference Finals once. That came in 2021.
George met with the 76ers Brass on Sunday night. He was expected to meet with the Orlando Magic and LA Clippers as well, but he opted to sign with Philly. Where he’ll join Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. Still hunting for his first NBA Championship, this will be the fourth team for Paul George. This trio presents potentially the best chance at knocking off the Celtics, who just won the 2024 NBA Finals. It also becomes one of the most formidable trios in the NBA today.
The Philadelphia 76ers have been a perennial underachiever, even after Embiid blossomed into a star. They have failed to find the right pieces to pair with players like Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler and even James Harden. Daryl Morey gets a clean slate now, as only two members from last year’s squad remain. He’s already been heavily active in free agency as well. Already acquiring Eric Gordon and Andre Drummond.
Philadelphia hopes that Paul George can be the one to help get them over the hump. Even he comes with some concerns however. George played 76 games last season, the first time he played more than 56 since 2018-19.
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