Following the Philadelphia 76ers’ loss to the New York Knicks in the First Round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, rumors about the team’s offseason plans pinpointed Los Angeles Clippers veteran star Paul George as one of their primary targets.
At that time, it was also revealed that the Sixers were interested in a reunion with the well-rounded Jrue Holiday. However, he signed an extension with the Boston Celtics last month. Curiously, there was little discussion that Philadelphia also has interest in Knicks wing OG Anunoby, per ESPN’s Tim Bontemps.
George and Anunoby are “expected to remain with their current teams.” Neither player has offered a concrete commitment to their respective team. However, both have spoken fondly of their teammates and time with the organization.
Can Sixers Pry OG Anunoby From Knicks in Free Agency?
The Sixers may have a better chance of signing Anunoby.
Philadelphia can offer George a max contract. That could appeal so much to the All-Star swingman that it tips the scales in their favor. To that point, the crux of George and the Clippers’ contract dispute is said to be money and years.
However, George’s Palmdale roots will likely be a significant factor in his free agency decision, as they were when he originally signed with L.A.’s little brother franchise. He also recently cited the opportunity to continue playing alongside Kawhi Leonard, another All-NBA-level two-way wing, as a reason. That said, though Leonard isn’t particularly durable, neither is Sixers centerpiece Joel Embiid.
Of course, the emergence of Tyrese Maxey could always give George more confidence in Philadelphia’s offense. Even if the Clippers re-sign James Harden, it’s hard to say who’s the better player today.
Still, Anunoby has a bit more reason to sign.
Because of he’s a premier 3-and-D player, he’ll be highly sought after. His age (26) and experience in high-pressure situations will also enhance his value, as teams will view him as a foundational piece. That includes New York. The Knicks have went 20-3 since trading for Anunoby, making his acquisition by far one of their most important transactions.
Yet, his injury history is a matter of concern.
Anunoby has played in 50 or fewer games in three of the last four seasons. As a result, the Knicks may offer him less than he desires. It would be understandable but it could leave the door open for Philadelphia’s front office.
The Sixers are in more of time crunch than the Knicks, with Embiid now 30 years old. Furthermore, though Embiid’s own shortcomings have played a big part in Philadelphia’s inability to reach the NBA Finals, they still need him more than he needs them. That said, Embiid can become a free agent as early as 2026. He could also simply request a trade should he doubt his dream will manifest itself with the Sixers.
What’s the Next Step?
Whether the Sixers “use several picks… and pursue a trade for a star” or not, they’ll get a good start on adding “add multiple high-level role players around Embiid and Maxey” by signing Anunoby. However, outside of putting out feelers with his representation, there may not be much Philadelphia can do right now.
The bigger question is what the Sixers do after they make their first move.
With $55.5 million in cap space, they can sign a player to a max contract. However, if they want to use the rest on one player, do they target a restricted free agent like Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams with Tobias Harris likely on the outs? Many of their free agents want to re-sign but they would may need to reserve some cap space to for Kelly Oubre Jr., who became one of the team’s most important players this season. How much do they want him to return?
Many paths have presented themselves to the Sixers
