From Jimmy Butler to James Harden and now Paul George. The Philadelphia 76ers have their next NBA superstar to play alongside Joel Embiid, and also, Tyrese Maxey. For the Sixers, it's nothing new.
But in the past, it's proven to be little more than really nice on paper. The 76ers couldn't go places with Butler, or Harden — at least, not as far s they hoped. So enter George, who reportedly agreed to a four-year, $212 million deal after parting ways with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Along with that, it was revealed Maxey signed a five-year, maximum deal to remain with the franchise.
As for George, the 76ers put on a full-court press.
"The unrestricted free agent was then scheduled to meet with the Sixers, Clippers and Orlando Magic in L.A. after Sunday's 6 p.m. start of free agency," wrote Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer. "In a late meeting with the Sixers, George and his agent, Aaron Mintz, met with managing partner Josh Harris, team president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, general manager Elton Brand, and Hall of Famer Julius Erving."
Meanwhile, the Clippers released a statement explaining why George wouldn't return.
"We negotiated for months with Paul and his representative on a contract that would make sense for both sides, and we were left far apart," the statement read. "The gap was significant. We understand and respect Paul's decision to look elsewhere for his next contract. We explored an opt-in and trade scenario, but it would have left us in a similar position under the new CBA, with very little asset value to justify the restrictions."
That wasn't the Sixers'only move. They also shored up the bench with the signings of veteran center Andre Drummond (Chicago Bulls) and guard Eric Gordon (George's teammate with the Clippers). Also, small forward Kelly Oubre Jr. is returning on a new deal of his own.
But it was George who snagged all the headlines.
"It was no secret that George was the player the Sixers coveted," Pompey wrote. "The Sixers previously inquired about George when they sent Harden to the Clippers in a Nov. 1 blockbuster trade. Then sources confirmed months later that George would be the team's No.1 option in free agency, and the Southern California native was said to have mutual interest in the Sixers."
So, yes, the Sixers landed their man. But as always, you have to wonder if it will be enough. Nonetheless, Philadelphia is winning at free agency. George is a massive reason why.
(This article was originally posted on Hoops Wire and reprinted with permission.)
