ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski claimed early Monday that Paul George had agreed to a maximum four-year, $212 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. This big move alters the complexion of the Eastern Conference and enhances the 76ers' chances for an NBA championship.
Joining the 76ers: A New Era
George joins a dangerous 76ers team that includes seven-time All-Star and 2023 MVP Joel Embiid and All-Star point guard Tyrese Maxey, the NBA's reigning Most Improved Player. The arrival of George is projected to propel the 76ers to the top tier of the Eastern Conference, establishing them as formidable challengers with the defending champs, the Boston Celtics.
George's Impact
At 34, the 6-foot-8 wing is still one of the league's top two-way players. Last season, he averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals a game for the Los Angeles Clippers, shooting 47.1% from the field and a career-high 41.3% from beyond the arc. His arrival is the most significant transaction in the NBA offseason since teams began negotiating with free players.
Creating a Championship Team
With George joining Embiid and Maxey, Philadelphia now has a formidable big three. Health, however, remains a major concern. George played 74 games in 2023-24, but had not played more than 56 games in any of the previous four seasons. Similarly, Embiid's knee ailment limited him to 39 games last season, and he has only ever played more than 68 games in his career. If both remain healthy, the 76ers will be among the top candidates for the NBA championship.
What's next for the Clippers?
George's departure has left a major vacuum in the Clippers' lineup. Over five seasons, George and teammate All-Star Kawhi Leonard worked to win the franchise's first NBA championship. Despite a blockbuster trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019, which includes five first-round draft picks, two pick swaps, Danilo Gallinari, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Clippers never advanced to the NBA Finals. Their best accomplishment was advancing to the Western Conference finals in 2021.
The Clippers have made many moves at the start of free agency, including re-signing former MVP point guard James Harden and reaching an agreement with former Dallas Mavericks forward Derrick Jones Jr. In addition, they agreed to terms with former Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. However, these measures may be insufficient to compensate for George's loss.
Contract Negotiations
George and the Clippers apparently failed to reach an agreement after months of discussions. The Clippers refused to change their offer of a three-year contract, but George preferred the four-year deal he eventually signed with the 76ers. This choice emphasizes the Clippers' current condition and the challenges that lie ahead.
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