NBA Trade Rumors: Sixers "Would Leap At The Chance" To Nab Clippers Star

The rumblings simply won't disappear. The Philadelphia 76ers continue to be loudly linked to Paul George in a potential free agent deal this summer, and the reason is simple: The Los Angeles Clippers have failed to sign George to an extension as of yet, despite having signed the team's co-star Kawhi Leonard to a three-year extension three months ago. 

George and Leonard came as an 'entry', a duo, when they both landed with the Clippers in the summer of 2019. They both signed identical 4-year extensions in 2021, and likewise, they were expected to both be signed to their next extensions this year—together. But here we are, months after Kawhi's contract, and PG is still out there. 

With that, ESPN basketball insider Zach Lowe insists that the Sixers are looming, and ready to "leap":

Going forward, (Philly) is armed with max-level cap space. The Sixers would leap at the chance to use it on Paul George, sources said. George has yet to sign an extension with the LA Clippers and could become an unrestricted free agent in July if he forgoes that extension.

The Sixers, in fact, could create around $58.4 million of cap space for July 1st, more than enough to sign George. 

Leonard's latest extension was for 3 years, $149 million, signed in January. The Clippers have until June 30 to re-sign PG13 or he can opt out of his $48.8 million contract for next season and become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st. And Philadelphia would be all over that. And Lowe isn't the only one hearing that.

Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, a Sixers insider, insists “there are some who expect” George to leave the Clippers for the Sixers this summer.

George is averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.6 steals in 71 games in his first fully-healthy season for the Clippers, while also shooting 41.2% from three point range. 

Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports