The Philadelphia 76ers have signed nine-time All-Star Paul George to a four-year, $212 million max contract. This acquisition marks a significant shift in the team’s strategy as they aim to build a championship contender around their core stars, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
Paul George, who recently opted out of his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, chose the 76ers over returning to his hometown team and the Orlando Magic. This decision came after extensive negotiations, with George seeking a deal that reflected his value and respect in the league. The 76ers, with ample cap space and a clear vision for the future, emerged as the perfect fit for the veteran forward.
George’s arrival in Philadelphia is expected to have an immediate impact. Known for his two-way play, George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game last season, while shooting an impressive 41.3% from beyond the arc. His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor will be crucial for the 76ers, who have struggled to advance past the second round of the playoffs in recent years.
Pairing George with Embiid and Maxey creates a formidable trio that can compete with the best in the Eastern Conference. Embiid, the reigning MVP, and Maxey, who recently earned his first All-Star selection and the NBA’s Most Improved Player award, will benefit from George’s experience and versatility.
The 76ers have been active this offseason, not only securing George but also adding veterans Andre Drummond and Eric Gordon to bolster their roster. These moves signal the team’s commitment to surrounding their stars with the necessary talent to make a deep playoff run. With new head coach Nick Nurse at the helm, the 76ers are poised to challenge the defending champion Boston Celtics and other top contenders in the East.
While the addition of George is a significant boost, the 76ers will need to address concerns about his health and availability. George played in 74 games last season, the most since the 2018-19 season, but his injury history remains a point of concern. Ensuring that George, Embiid, and Maxey stay healthy will be critical for the team’s success.
The signing of Paul George represents a bold move by the Philadelphia 76ers as they look to end their playoff drought and return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2001. With a revamped roster and a renewed sense of purpose, the 76ers are ready to embark on a new era of success.
As always when superstars are on the move, NBA Twitter reacted with many different opinions, takes and jokes. Here are some of the best:
Clippers gave up their entire future for Paul George and let him walk for nothing
Enjoy poverty pic.twitter.com/7k5Qemse8P
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod (@big_business_) July 1, 2024
So far this off-season
-Drafted Jared McCain and Adem Bona
-Signed Drummond for cheap
-Signed Eric Gordon on the minimum (doesn’t count as salary cap)
-Brought back Kelly Oubre on an $8m exception (also doesn’t count as salary cap)
-Signed Paul George
pic.twitter.com/ZRos9AktUy— Aidan LaPorta (@AidanLaPorta69) July 1, 2024
PAUL GEORGE IS A SIXER
SUMMER OF GEORGE IS ON
HIT THE ACTION NEWS THEME MUSIC pic.twitter.com/Kl8aFUiauN
— Jeff McDevitt (@JeffMcDev) July 1, 2024
With Paul George officially leaving the Clippers.
This will now go down as the worst trade in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/YZP4seb3VW
— Lakers Vino (@VinoUncorked) July 1, 2024
Waking up to replacing Tobias Harris with Paul George pic.twitter.com/5hDuliqjU9
— Joe Pop (@JoePops_) July 1, 2024
Woj breaking the Paul George news to NBA fans at 3 AM on a Monday morning
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) July 1, 2024
Joel Embiid and Paul George knees after an 82 game regular season pic.twitter.com/Mr5y23pKwW
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) June 29, 2024
Paul George is hilarious pic.twitter.com/aCUkkJnwx0
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) June 29, 2024
The Sixers way overpaid for Paul George at age 34 in his 15th season. They will regret having to pay him in his 18th and 19th seasons. But I give you this: HE DEFINITELY IMPROVES THEIR CHANCES OF BEATING BOSTON IN THE PLAYOFFS NEXT SEASON AND THE NEXT.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) July 1, 2024
Paul George and Kawhi Leonard accomplishments:
215 Injuries
0 Rings
0 Finals App.
Choked 3-1 LeadEND OF AN ERA pic.twitter.com/DYfDUN5GXm
— Hater Central (@TheHateCentral) July 1, 2024
Me waking up & realizing my dream about Paul George playing for the Philadelphia 76ers isn’t a dream: pic.twitter.com/jzDH8vg2FZ
— Josh Reynolds (@JoshReynolds24) July 1, 2024
Paul George making $57 Million in the GRAND YEAR of 2028 at 38 YEARS OF AGE pic.twitter.com/Jzxa53tknU
— ♕ (@shpillo_) July 1, 2024
