Sixers Free Agency Target Gaining Major Interest From East Rival

The Philadelphia 76ers aren't the only Eastern Conference team eyeing up Paul George this summer.

Apr 28, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; LA Clippers guard Terance Mann (14) and LA Clippers forward Paul George (13) and LA Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) react during the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks during game four of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports | Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

If Paul George’s extension talks with the Los Angeles Clippers officially fail to gain enough steam, the veteran wing could be on his way to free agency this offseason.

With a $48 million player option on the table, George is expected to decline and search for a multi-season extension in the max range. So far, the Clippers have been reportedly unwilling to meet George’s contract demands.

As a result, other teams are waiting in line to state their case. The Philadelphia 76ers have been arguably the most prominent team on Paul George watch.

Don’t count out Philly’s Eastern Conference rival, the Orlando Magic, though. Lately, the emerging franchise has been rumored to have eyes on some of the NBA’s most significant names that could hit free agency this summer. To no surprise, George is one of them.

In addition, so is Golden State Warriors sharpshooter, Klay Thompson.

“Orlando continues to be mentioned by various league observers as a natural suitor for George as well as Golden State's Klay Thompson,” NBA Insider Marc Stein wrote recently. “The Clippers certainly hope to retain George in free agency, but they’ve made it clear by letting negotiations drag out to this point that they want to do it at their price.”

Oct 31, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George (13) shoots three point basket against Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports | Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Similar to the Sixers, the Orlando Magic are in a good position this summer cap-wise. They’ll have an opportunity to make a big contract offer to a veteran, who could come in and help a young roster make a deeper playoff push after they fell short 4-3 in the first round in 2024.

As for the Sixers, they are looking to tweak the roster that surrounds Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. With most of last year’s team hitting the free agency market, Philly knows they won’t have the chance retain everybody.

In addition to bringing in important role players on short-term deals, the 76ers are expected to go after the Georges of free agency. It appears the Magic and the Clippers are the biggest threats to Philly’s Plan A.