Paul George Lands Huge Multi-Year Deal with the Philadelphia 76ers

Hours after the Los Angeles Clippers announced Paul George’s departure, reports surfaced early Monday that the nine-time All-Star has inked a four-year, $212 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.

George is set to join forces with All-Star teammates Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, potentially forming the Sixers’ most formidable lineup since their 2001 Eastern Conference Finals run. With George, 2023 Kia MVP Joel Embiid, and All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey, the 76ers aim to compete with NBA champions like the Boston Celtics.

George’s departure from LA comes after he declined a $48.8 million player option for the 2024-2025 season, ending his five-year stint with the Clippers, where he consistently averaged over 21.5 points per season. Following extensive negotiations, the Clippers decided to pivot, citing the need for flexibility under the new collective bargaining agreement.

Paul has informed us that he is signing his next contract with another team,” the Clippers stated Sunday night. The team added, “We negotiated for months, but the gap was significant. We understand and respect Paul’s decision to look elsewhere.”

George’s decision to enter free agency, effective from Sunday night, marked the end of any potential deal with the Clippers. “We will miss Paul,” the Clippers remarked. George, who arrived in tandem with Kawhi Leonard in 2019, peaked with a run to the Western Conference Finals in 2021 but faced subsequent playoff disappointments.

In related news, James Harden is staying with the Clippers on a two-year contract that includes a player option, potentially worth up to $70 million. Harden, a 10-time NBA All-Star, averaged 16.6 points and 8.5 assists last season and will remain a key player as the Clippers move into their new Intuit Dome home for the 2024-25 season.