Entering the 2024 NBA offseason the Philadelphia 76ers are in a position they have not been in in a long time. They have money to spend on a third superstar or multiple role players who can help them become a legitimate title contender. In addition, this is an important offseason for Daryl Morey to make Philly a legitimate title contender. With such a large amount of money, decisions have to be made on who to invest in, and a big decision may have been made Thursday. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania the Sixers have lost interest in pursuing Paul George.
Sixers Not Curious About George
To Come to Philly or Stay in LA
Paul George has been a player the Sixers have been linked to throughout the past few weeks. As a result, rumors have circulated that Philly will offer him a four-year max contract. However, with yesterday’s news the Sixers have lost interest before free agency begins, or are gauging how serious George is about coming to the Philly and teaming up with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
George would be an ideal player next to Maxey and Embiid. He is a player who can put the ball in hoop and can take away the opposing team’s main offensive weapon. That is the type of player Philly needs to be a legitimate title contender in the loaded Eastern Conference. This makes the reported loss of interest by the Sixers in pursuing him even more curious. With the amount of money, the Sixers have available they are a threat to sign one of the top free agents this offseason. Either the Sixers have found another player who can push them over the top, or the Clippers are going to give George the max.
Brandon Ingraham’s Availability
The one player that may have thrown a wrench into the George to Philly train is Brandon Ingram. According to The Athletic’s Kelly Iko, the Pelicans reached out to the Sixers and inquired about their interest in trading for him. Ingram is a younger option with a deal that is definitely more affordable than maxing out Paul George. He also has been a lot more durable over the past few seasons. If Philly or another team is able to acquire him, they will get the best version of him, considering next season would be the last one of his contract.
Ingram being a younger and cheaper option would make perfect sense for a Sixers squad that values cap flexibility. Additionally, his game also matches up pretty well with Embiid and Maxey. He is a scorer who can put the ball in the basket and has never been afraid of the moment. The Sixers definitely need more players like that on the roster, which would make them a more formidable team.
Leverage Play Gone Wrong
Sometimes in the NBA offseason, players use other team’s interest as leverage to get more money from their old team. This could be playing a role in why Philly is no longer very interested in George. Philly’s front office probably realized George has no interest in coming to Philly and forming a powerful big three. If that is the case, it is hard to see what team, other then Orlando, will give George a max contract. One thing is for sure, this back and forth between George and the Sixers is just a small appetizer to what should be a highly active offseason for Philly.
