Perhaps the Philadelphia 76ers are being overly optimistic.<\/p>\n
After all, multiple reports have indicated that the nine-time All-Star would like to remain with<\/a> the Los Angeles Clippers. However, \u201cthe Sixers think there’s a real chance<\/a> they end up with Paul George<\/a>,\u201d per The Ringer\u2019s Kevin O\u2019Connor.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom my understanding,\u201d O\u2019Connor says on The Bill Simmons Podcast<\/em>, \u201ctalking with people around the league, they think there’s a real chance he ends up leaving (the Clippers). No guarantees, but there’s a chance of it.\u201d<\/p>\n George and the Clippers have been in a protracted contract dispute with the California native\u2019s contract set to expire in 2025. After signing a four-year maximum contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2018, he reached his initial contract extension with the Clippers in Dec. 2020. However, the situation is a bit different this time around.<\/p>\n In 2020, L.A. was coming off of a season in which they won 68.1 percent of their games. For reference, the Minnesota Timberwolves (56-26) won 68.3 percent of their games this season on their way to being a No. 3 seed in the 2024 NBA Playoffs. Though the Clippers did manage to clinch a No. 4 seed, they struggled in the back half of the season. After the All-Star Break, L.A. went 15-14, averaging 110.8 points per game. To compare, the Brooklyn Nets (32-50), averaged 110.4 points per game in 2023-24 (25th in the NBA).<\/p>\n With the Clippers then being defeated by the Dallas Mavericks in the First Round of the NBA Playoffs, it wasn\u2019t a very strong ending to the season. Of course, overcoming the absence of Kawhi Leonard<\/a> was a tall task. To that point, Leonard only played in two of the six games that series. When he did play, he wasn\u2019t healthy, limited by a knee injury.<\/p>\n However, George\u2019s subpar performance was another major factor. In six games, the swingman averaged 19.5 points per game on 41.1 percent shooting from the field. \u2018Playoff P\u2019 was back again indeed.<\/p>\n With Clippers owner Steve Ballmer watching these games fanatically, that\u2019s problematic for George. While he may not be in the war room during contract negotiations, he\u2019s the one cutting the check. It\u2019s hard to pay top dollar for someone who isn\u2019t living up to<\/a> his billing as a top player.<\/p>\n If George is playing below expectations, particularly in the playoffs, people might wonder why the Sixers are so keen on adding George.<\/p>\n That being said, Philadelphia doesn\u2019t need George to be their No. 1A or No. 2 option. They need the streaky star to be who he naturally is; the third option on a championship team. Skilled, experienced, and versatile, George still has a rare scoring ability. He just wilts under pressure more than he rises to the occasion, meaning the team that employs him needs to have more reliable go-to scorers.<\/p>\n With Joel Embiid<\/a> and Tyrese Maxey<\/a>, the Sixers have that.<\/p>\n\u2018Real Chance\u2019 Paul George Signs With Sixers<\/h2>\n
Why the Sixers Want Paul George<\/h3>\n