Paul George Signs 4-Year, $212 Million Deal With Philadelphia 76ers – Is It A Good Fit?

There is a new big three in the Eastern Conference, as Paul George signed with the Philadelphia 76ers during the start of NBA free agency. He joins Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, who just extended with the 76ers as they try to dethrone the Boston Celtics in the east.

George opted out of his final season with the Los Angeles Clippers, leaving James Harden and Kawhi Leonard on the West Coast. Reports suggested that the 34-year-old would meet with the Orlando Magic or try to facilitate a sign-and-trade with a contender. Ultimately, the chance to chase his first NBA championship landed him in the city of brotherly love. He spent five years with the Clippers and left just before the opening of their new arena. He never fully meshed with the other stars on his team and has a fresh start.

The 76ers needed to splash in free agency this year after their disastrous end to last season. Embiid missed most of the second half of the year and returned for the playoffs, yet never looked fully healthy. Philadelphia lost to the New York Knicks in five games during the first round but had enough cap space for a max contract with Tobias Harris joining the Detroit Pistons. General Manager Daryl Morey struck when the clock turned to midnight, cooling off his seat for a moment from the pressure of this sports town. Morey joins the Knicks in pursuing wing players because of the need to stop Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.

While there have been injury concerns for George at his age and long-term contract, he played 74 games in the 2023-24 season, the most for him in five years. His points per game declined each of the last three seasons in L.A., finishing last year with 22.6. Next season will be the eight-time All-Stars’ 15th season in the NBA. He did not qualify for the USA men’s Olympic basketball team.