The Sixers are coming off a disappointing first-round exit by the hands of the New York Knicks within the 2024 playoffs.
Middle Joel Embiid (33 factors per sport) and guard Tyrese Maxey (29.8 factors) have been glorious within the six-game collection, however the crew round them got here up brief.
Ahead Tobias Harris, a pending unrestricted free agent, averaged 9 factors per sport through the collection.
The Sixers have a obvious gap on their roster on the wing place and want one other participant to create their very own shot.
George could not be a greater match, and Philadelphia, with a projected $58.4M in wage cap area, has the cash to pay George what he needs.
In fact, the Sixers aren’t the one crew curious about him
The Warriors are anticipated to pursue George, and it is also potential he stays with the Clippers.
Both of these two eventualities can be devastating for Philadelphia. Whereas it may pursue different gamers by way of commerce, that might require the crew to commerce gamers and/or draft capital. Plus, it is unlikely anybody the entrance workplace can commerce for can be a greater participant than George.
In 2023-24, George averaged 22.6 factors, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals per sport whereas capturing a career-high 41.3 % from past the arc.
Since drafting Embiid, the Sixers’ entrance workplace has made a number of dangerous choices, however including George may reduce the ache of a few of these stings.
Two of these errors — drafting Ben Simmons over Jaylen Brown in 2016 and Markelle Fultz over Jayson Tatum in 2017 — immediately led to the Celtics’ current league-record 18th championship.
The miscues have not been restricted to the draft, both. In 2019, Philadelphia allowed ahead Jimmy Butler to go away in free company, and he is led the Warmth to 2 NBA Finals appearances within the 5 years since.
Their commerce for James Harden additionally did not work out, both, with the guard demanding a commerce final yr.
A core of Embiid, Maxey and George would give Philadelphia arguably the league’s most proficient trios and one with a legit likelihood of successful an NBA title.
Forward of Recreation 4 of this yr’s Finals, George and Embiid have been each visitors on ABC’s “NBA Countdown,” and the 2022-23 league MVP not-so-subtly hinted at his need to play with George in Philadelphia.
“Hopefully, we will add some items,” Embiid said whereas side-eyeing the four-time All-Defensive crew member.
The Sixers want George, not provided that they plan on contending for a title in 2024-25 but in addition, arguably, to maintain their famous person middle comfortable.