Paul George, one of the most sought-after NBA free agents this summer, has reportedly reached an agreement with the Philadelphia 76ers in the early hours of Sunday morning. The deal is said to be a four-year contract worth approximately $212 million, according to sources. George will be joining a talented roster that already includes stars like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
The 34-year-old forward initially joined the Los Angeles Clippers in a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder before the 2019-20 season. Paired with Kawhi Leonard, the duo was expected to lead the Clippers to success, but injuries and setbacks prevented them from achieving their full potential. Despite the addition of James Harden last season, the Clippers only managed to secure the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference and suffered an early playoff exit.
Last season, George had his most productive year with the Clippers, playing 74 games and earning his third All-Star selection in four years. He averaged 22.6 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, showcasing his skills as an elite two-way player.
Following the conclusion of the season, the Clippers announced that they would not be retaining George, opting to let him explore free agency. The team expressed gratitude for George's contributions over the five seasons he spent with them, highlighting his impact on the franchise's success.
Meanwhile, the 76ers have been active in the free agency market, reportedly adding players like Kelly Oubre Jr., Eric Gordon, and Andre Drummond in addition to securing the deal with George. With a healthy roster, Philadelphia has the potential to be a strong contender in the upcoming season, especially after their early playoff exit last year.
As the NBA landscape continues to evolve with key player movements and team acquisitions, fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming season to see how these changes will impact the league's competitive balance.