The Philadelphia 76ers will shift focus to the offseason after their NBA Finals hopes officially ended at the hands of the New York Knicks on Thursday. Despite putting up a serious fight, the 76ers lost to the Knicks in six games in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs. Now, their focus shifts to the offseason, where they are projected to have the second-highest cap space. And according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, there are three big names the 76ers will have an eye on this summer.
On Friday’s episode of “Get Up” on ESPN, Windhorst mentioned Jimmy Butler, Brandon Ingram, and Paul George as Philadelphia’s targets this offseason. Windhorst also said that George is “at the top of their list.”
“The player at the top of their list is Paul George.” @WindhorstESPN thinks the Sixers are going to give PG-13 a max contract offer in free agency, and will look to monitor Jimmy Butler and Brandon Ingram’s situations.”
Sixers Strongly Considering Adding One of Three Stars
The 76ers’ Interest in Paul George is Well-Documented
The Los Angeles Clippers star has a $48.8 million player option for next season. Although he has previously said he wants to remain with the Clippers, nothing is official yet. Because the two sides have yet to agree on an extension, many teams are reportedly monitoring George’s status. In March, NBA insider Marc Stein mentioned Philadelphia as a possible destination for George if he opts out of his player option.
“George’s free agency had the potential to be one of next summer’s most interesting storylines with both Philadelphia and PG-13’s old friends in Indiana believed to be interested in pursuing him,” Stein detailed.
Pairing George with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey is intriguing. With the team likely moving on from starting forward Tobias Harris, George would certainly be an upgrade.
“The player at the top of their list is Paul George.”@WindhorstESPN thinks the Sixers are going to give PG-13 a max contract offer in free agency, and will look to monitor Jimmy Butler and Brandon Ingram’s situations 👀 pic.twitter.com/bRVVY1XeeO
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 3, 2024
Brandon Ingram Could Join the Philadelphia 76ers This Offseason
After the New Orleans Pelicans suffered a sweep in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder, changes are possibly on the horizon for the organization. The most likely change is the team moving on from Ingram. The former Los Angeles Lakers forward has one year left on his contract before hitting unrestricted free agency in 2025. Additionally, during the season, an Eastern Conference exec suggested the Pelicans “has to make a decision” between keeping Ingram or Zion Williamson.
“New Orleans has to make a decision between Zion [Williamson] and [Brandon] Ingram,” said an Eastern Conference exec. “I think that happens this summer.”
Ingram’s impressive scoring ability would complement Embiid and Maxey very well.
A Jimmy Butler Return Could Be Good for Both Parties
In 2019, the 76ers acquired Butler from the Minnesota Timberwolves. After spending half a season with them, Butler signed with the Miami Heat the following offseason. Now, a full-circle moment seems possible. Miami suffered a first-round playoff loss to the Boston Celtics. Afterward, reports suggested Butler is seeking a max contract extension that would keep him under contract until he is 28. Because of this, trading him for assets now and re-tooling may be a smart idea.
