Report: PG is 76ers' top plan in free agency
The Philadelphia 76ers are swinging for the fences this offseason.
Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George is the 76ers' Plan A when free agency opens in July, sources told The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor.
Philadelphia president of basketball operations Daryl Morey has expressed a need for a high-level wing next to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
George fits the bill and will hit the market if he declines his $48.8-million player option for 2024-25. The nine-time All-Star averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 boards, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals across 74 appearances last season.
George is eligible to receive a four-year, $221-million contract from the Clippers, but the club apparently hasn't offered him more than the three-year, $152.4-million extension they handed Kawhi Leonard in January, adds O'Connor.
The 76ers have nearly $60 million in cap space available and up to five tradable first-rounders beginning on draft night, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram, who is under contract for one more season, is reportedly Philadelphia's fallback plan should it fail to land George in free agency, O'Connor reports.
Ingram has developed into an All-Star since being dealt by the Los Angeles Lakers to the Pelicans in the Anthony Davis blockbuster deal. The 2019-20 Most Improved Player averaged 20.8 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.1 boards over 64 appearances last season.
The 76ers were eliminated by the New York Knicks in the opening round of the postseason.
Philadelphia hasn't advanced past the second round since making The Finals in 2001.