Paul George Rumors: 76ers, Magic Eye Star; Clippers Don't Want to Give Max Contract

The Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic are reportedly preparing to pursue All-Star wing Paul George if he explores leaving the Los Angeles Clippers.

"There's two teams that are paying very close attention to Paul George: the Orlando Magic and the Philadelphia 76ers," ESPN's Ramona Shelburne said on the Hoop Collective (17:45 mark). "Because both of them have the money to throw at him and have a need for a wing, just like him, a veteran guy. Every time I watch the Sixers I'm like, 'Oh, they could use Paul George.'"

ESPN's Brian Windhorst then chimed in, saying George's future in Los Angeles may come down to the Clippers' willingness to offer him a max contract.

"It's just a matter of whether the Clippers are gonna give him the max, which is something they don't wanna do because they didn't give it to Kawhi [Leonard]," Windhorst said.

The Clippers signed Leonard to a three-year, $152 million extension in January. Most expected a new deal for George to come soon after, but we're nearly four months later without an agreement.

Logic would have dictated Los Angeles offering George the same deal it gave Leonard. However, it seems either the Clippers aren't willing to offer George the same money or he's unwilling to take it.

The Clippers also have to contend with the impending free agency of James Harden, who could also command nine figures after a solid first season back in Los Angeles.

Injuries have once again come at the worst possible time for the Clippers, as Leonard's been dealing with swelling in his knee during the team's first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks. The Leonard-George combo has time and again failed to stay healthy in the playoffs, and it's fair to wonder if the front office wants a shakeup.

The Sixers or Magic, armed with max cap space and a need for a star on the wing, could swoop in if the opportunity to acquire George presents itself.