Paul George became a headliner of this year’s NBA free-agent class by declining a $48.7 million player option with the Los Angeles Clippers. One team reportedly likes their chances of poaching the superstar.
According to Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes, there’s “growing optimism” that the Philadelphia 76ers will sign George. Per The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the nine-time All-Star will meet with the Clippers, 76ers, and Orlando Magic.
Opting out of his contract limits potential suitors to those with sufficient cap space by eliminating a possible sign-and-trade. One team reportedly thought they were close to striking such a deal.
The Athletic’s Tim Kawakami wrote that the Golden State Warriors had “very serious negotiations” with the Clippers. Although George was interested in playing for the Warriors, who were prepared to offer him a maximum four-year deal, Los Angeles rejected their trade offers.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that George’s desire for a fourth year derailed extension talks with the Clippers. Jake Fisher of Yahoo Sports said the 76ers and Magic are both willing to offer a four-year max contract.
Despite making the playoffs in seven consecutive seasons, the 76ers have yet to make the Eastern Conference Finals behind Joel Embiid. The New York Knicks eliminated them in a highly competitive first-round series.
Per Spotrac, the 76ers have approximately $58 million in projected cap space, which they would create by renouncing the rights to their free agents. They could build a new build three of Embiid, George, and Tyrese Maxey less than a year after trading James Harden to play alongside George on the Clippers.
According to Charania, Harden plans to return to L.A. on a three-year, $70 million contract.
Related: Paul George Reportedly Meeting 3 Teams Ahead Of Free Agency