In arguably the biggest move of the offseason, star Paul George joined the Philadelphia 76ers this summer after five years with the Los Angeles Clippers. With George on the roster, the 76ers have one of the best trios in the game with him playing alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey as well. George’s return to Los Angeles will likely be one of the biggest games of the 2024-25 season. And while the full NBA schedule for next season has not been announced yet, we now know when George will make his anticipated return.
According to TNT’s Chris Haynes, George’s 76ers will head to Los Angeles to face the Clippers on November 6.
Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George will make his return to LA for the first time to face his old team — the Los Angeles Clippers — on Nov. 6, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport. pic.twitter.com/YIEmdehCHl
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) August 13, 2024
When Paul George Will Return to LA Next Season
The Philadelphia 76ers’ Busy Offseason
Signing George was a major step in the right direction for Philadelphia. Last season, they had a 47-35 record and earned the No. 7 seed in the playoffs. This was largely due to Embiid only appearing in 39 games due to numerous injuries. However, the acquisition of George was far from the only move the 76ers made this offseason.
Additionally, they added veterans like Eric Gordon, Andre Drummond, and Caleb Martin. All three of these players should assume a pretty large role with the 76ers next season. The team also brought back Kyle Lowry and Kelly Oubre Jr., who were both with the team last season. Furthermore, they drafted Jared McCain in the first round of this year’s draft.
On the flip side, the 76ers lost a lot of players over the offseason. Buddy Hield, who joined the team via a trade earlier this year, signed with the Golden State Warriors. Tobias Harris, who spent parts of the last six seasons in Philadelphia, went back to the Detroit Pistons. Additionally, Nicolas Batum, who was a part of the blockbuster James Harden trade at the beginning of last season, went back to the Clippers.
Regardless, the 76ers have a great team on paper and are a serious threat in the Eastern Conference.
The Los Angeles Clippers Also Had an Eventful Summer
Losing George is a major blow to the Clippers roster. However, the 34-year-old was not the only major player to depart from the team this summer. Russell Westbrook joined the Denver Nuggets after the Clippers traded him to the Utah Jazz (who waived him shortly after). Additionally, the team lost Daniel Theis and Mason Plumlee as well. However, although they lost some big names, the Clippers still made some solid additions.
In addition to bringing Batum back, the Clippers signed Mo Bamba, Derrick Jones, and Kevin Porter Jr. The Clippers also acquired Kris Dunn via a sign-and-trade. Furthermore, they also re-signed Harden.
It is tough to look at the Clippers roster and not believe they took a step back. However, as long as Kawhi Leonard is on the team, Los Angeles will remain a contender in the Western Conference.
