In a blockbuster move, free agent forward Paul George has agreed to a four-year, $212 million maximum contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources told ESPN. This deal includes a player option for the final season in 2027-28, bringing George back to the Eastern Conference to team up with MVP center Joel Embiid and All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey in pursuit of challenging the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics.
George and his agent, Aaron Mintz of CAA, met with a 76ers contingent in Los Angeles, including owner Josh Harris, president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, general manager Elton Brand, and Sixers legend Julius Erving. Notably, the Sixers also brought in front office executive Peter Dinwiddie, a familiar face and friend of George’s from their time together with the Indiana Pacers.
End of Negotiations
This move comes after months of unsuccessful negotiations between George and the LA Clippers on a contract extension. George, a nine-time All-Star, spent the last five seasons with the Clippers, averaging impressive numbers over 263 regular-season games. The Clippers and George were unable to reach an agreement, with George seeking a four-year deal while the Clippers offered only three.
Clippers’ Statement
Following the news of George’s departure, the Clippers issued a statement expressing gratitude for his contributions to the team over the past five years. They acknowledged George’s talent and two-way abilities, highlighting his impact on the franchise. Despite falling short of their championship goals, the Clippers reflected on the success they had with George in the lineup.
With his move to Philadelphia, George joins forces with Embiid and Maxey to form a formidable trio that could potentially challenge the Celtics in the Eastern Conference. The addition of George, along with signings like Kelly Oubre Jr., Eric Gordon, and Andre Drummond, strengthens the Sixers’ roster and gives them the firepower to compete at the highest level.
Since being drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 2010, George has established himself as one of the premier wing players in the NBA. Despite facing a devastating leg injury early in his career, George has bounced back to become a perennial All-Star and All-NBA selection. His scoring, rebounding, and playmaking have made him one of the top two-way players in the league.
As George embarks on this new chapter with the Philadelphia 76ers, he will be looking to add an NBA championship to his impressive resume. Teaming up with talented teammates like Embiid and Maxey provides George with the opportunity to make a deep playoff run and compete for a title. The excitement around George’s signing is palpable, as fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming NBA season to see how this dynamic trio will fare against the league’s best teams.