The Philadelphia 76ers made the biggest splash of the NBA offseason by signing former LA Clippers star Paul George as a free agent to a four-year, $212 million contract.
George joins star duo Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey as the 76ers remain in the hunt for an NBA title. Although it once seemed unlikely that George would leave the Clippers, the Southern California native was unable to reach an agreement with the franchise where he spent the past five seasons.
Clippers President Lawrence Frank recently told a group of media representatives that the team increased its offer to George after signing James Harden, but that negotiations between the two sides are far apart.
Lawrence Frank confirmed that Paul George was originally offered a two-year, $60 million contract, but that was in addition to his $50 million player option.
Frank said the Clippers increased their offer for the PG without asking after signing James Harden. pic.twitter.com/saShF7akoe
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) July 15, 2024
This opened the door for the 76ers and Embiid to recruit the nine-time All-Star to Philadelphia.
This aspiration was evident before George even officially entered free service.
Joel Embiid with the not-so-subtle look towards Paul George as he says the Sixers will improve this offseason:
“This offseason we’re going to find a way to get better 👀… add some pieces.”
Philadelphia is ready to aggressively pursue Paul George with a max contract offer. pic.twitter.com/O386Ktuqmz
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 15, 2024
In a recent article by NBA insider Marc Stein on his Substacka story that former Memphis Grizzlies striker Quincy Pondexter told on the #thisleague UNCUT podcast was transcribed. According to Pondexter, it helped bring Embiid and George into contact for the first time.
“Joel is one of my best friends,” Pondexter said of Stein on the #thisleague UNCUT podcast. “And so Joel got Paul’s number through me to try to make him the offer. … I don’t even know how much the Sixers know about it, but secretly one of the biggest – I hate to say this – one of the biggest factors in me saying, ‘Yo, Joel, you gotta keep recruiting (George), you gotta try to get him, you gotta get him, you gotta talk to him, you gotta, you know, whatever it is.'”
Pondexter played nine seasons in the NBA, but missed two full years due to a knee injury. The former first-round pick of the OKC Thunder in 2010 spent the majority of his career in Memphis, appearing in 168 games over four seasons for the Grizzlies.
According to Pondexter, Embiid eventually gave up hope that George would join the 76ers.
the best assist of the off-season 😏#NBAAssistWeek https://t.co/qFTqSJeOib pic.twitter.com/8N4PhuGTQC
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) 16 August 2024
“There was a point where Joel gave up,” Pondexter said. “He was like, ‘There’s no way he’s coming, there’s no way he’s coming to Philly, there’s no chance.’ I called P’s friends and they were like, ‘Q, trust me. He’s got a great chance. You guys are doing this right.'”
Ja Morant delights Memphis Grizzlies fans with latest workout video
Eight-year NBA veteran and former Grizzlies player joins new team in Portugal
Ja Morant reacts to viral moment with LeBron James and Steph Curry at USA-France game
