Paul George Agrees to 4-Year, $212M Deal with 76ers, Sources Say

Free agent forward Paul George has reached an agreement on a four-year, $212 million maximum contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, according to sources. This deal, which includes a player option for the final season in 2027-28, brings George back to the Eastern Conference, where he will join forces with MVP center Joel Embiid and All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey. The trio aims to challenge the reigning NBA champions, the Boston Celtics.

The agreement followed a meeting in Los Angeles between George and a contingent from the 76ers, including owner Josh Harris, president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, general manager Elton Brand, and Sixers legend Julius Erving. The presence of front office executive Peter Dinwiddie, who previously worked with George at the Indiana Pacers, highlighted the efforts to make George feel at home in Philadelphia.

This move comes after months of fruitless negotiations between George and the LA Clippers, who were unable to agree on a contract extension. George, who spent the last five seasons with the Clippers, sought a four-year deal, but the Clippers offered only three years.

George, a 34-year-old nine-time All-Star, brings a wealth of experience and talent to the 76ers. During his tenure with the Clippers, he averaged 23 points, 6 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals over 263 regular-season games. Despite the Clippers’ appreciation for George’s contributions, including leading the team to new heights and making the most 3-pointers in franchise history, they acknowledged his decision to move on.

Philadelphia hopes George will help the team achieve its championship aspirations. Alongside Embiid and Maxey, George forms one of the most formidable trios in recent NBA history, combining an explosive guard, an elite two-way wing, and a dominant big man. The 76ers have also bolstered their roster by agreeing to a two-year, $16.3 million deal with shooting guard Kelly Oubre Jr., and securing veteran guard Eric Gordon and center Andre Drummond.

Since being drafted 10th overall by the Indiana Pacers in 2010, George has become one of the NBA’s top wing players, despite a severe leg injury in 2014. He has made nine All-Star teams and earned six All-NBA selections, including a first-team nod in 2019. Last season, George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, reaffirming his status as a premier two-way player.

George’s addition to the 76ers is seen as a significant step toward competing for an NBA championship. With a strengthened roster and the dynamic trio of George, Embiid, and Maxey, Philadelphia is poised to be a formidable contender in the Eastern Conference.