76ers Eyed as Paul George Landing Spot By NBA Fans After Clippers Contract Declined

Now that Paul George is set to hit free agency after declining his $48.7 option with the Los Angeles Clippers, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, he is likely only an option for teams with cap space.

76ers fans are hoping that means the Clippers star will choose to join Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid in Philadelphia.

According to Wojnarowski, George is "planning to set meetings with cap space teams and the Clippers beginning Sunday night."

After building their 2023-24 roster with a bevy of expiring contracts, the 76ers only have four players officially signed for next season, according to Spotrac.

That gives the Sixers more than a $100 million cap in space heading into free agency, more than enough to re-sign current restricted free agent Maxey— as well as make a bid to add George to the fold.

Some fans are hoping that, in addition to pursuing George, the Sixers continue to target rumored trade option Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz.

Both Markkanen and George would then be able to slot into the rotation in Philadelphia next fall.

The Sixers have made the playoffs for seven straight seasons, but haven't gotten any farther than the second round.

Some fans believe the addition of George, who averaged 22.6 points through 74 starts with the Clippers last season, will be enough to push the team over the hump.

NBA teams are allowed to begin negotiating with free agents Sunday, while free agents can sign with a new team starting July 6.

George is reportedly seeking a four-year maximum extension, so the Sixers may need to be prepared to offer up that term if they want to win the upcoming bidding war for the nine-time All-Star guard.