Sixers Not Out On Paul George Yet, Despite Recent Reports
Paul George has been a name attached to the Sixers long before this off-season began. In fact going back to last season, people have speculated the Sixers were saving cap space, and loading up on picks, to try and get him in 2024.
A wrench was thrown into that rumor last wee though. Shams Charania reported that the Sixers’ interest in Paul George had “significantly waned.” This was followed by reports that George might opt into his deal, but then request a trade, which would make acquiring George more difficult than just paying him as a free agent.
But those reports may have been a bit too hasty. Today, Sixers Beat Writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer Keith Pompey joined Kincade and Salciunas and suggested the opposite. Not only does he think they are still in on Paul George, he still sees George as their number one target.
The Paul George Fit
George has had issues staying healthy and doesn’t have the best track in the playoffs. In terms of a talent fit though, he might be the best player available for the Sixers, short of Lebron James. Unlike a few other guys, like Jimmy Butler, he is not as ball-dominant and could fit in with what the Sixers want to do with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
The age is concerning, but with the Sixers in win-now mode, they are less concerned with age. It appears Daryl Morey is willing to deal with a bad contract in 3 years if it helps them win now.
So don’t rule out Paul George to the Sixers just yet. Keith Pompey still believes they are very much in on George. Keith also later suggested Brandon Ingram as a backup option if they can’t land Paul George.
The Sixers are in full star-hunting mode. They are going to try and get a 3rd high -end player to pair with Embiid and Maxey. If they are going to compete with the Celtics, that is what they need to do.
Will it work? Will they get a high-end player? Will they end up with another Tobias Harris situation because they are chasing a star and get desperate? We will find that out later this off-season. But if you are hoping the Sixers just tweak their role players, you are going to be disappointed by the results.
They are going to make a splash, and Paul George is still a likely source for that splash.
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