76ers Already Have a Paul George Backup Plan in Free Agency
By Cem Yolbulan
The worst-kept secret in the NBA right now is the Philadelphia 76ers' interest in Paul George. The LA Clippers forward who is becoming an unrestricted free agent this offseason, is perhaps the best player on the market expected to change teams. Philadelphia, who is the only championship contender with significant cap space, is rumored to be interested in signing the nine-time All-Star.
Philadelphia's interest in George is understandable. He is the perfect fit next to Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. He doesn't need the ball in his hands to be effective, can guard multiple positions, and has a two-way skillset that the Sixers severely need. At age 34, he is not as dynamic as he used to be and doesn't exactly fit Philadelphia's timeline but George is certainly the best player the Sixers can realistically get with their cap space.
However, the Clippers under the ownership of Steve Ballmer, spend more money than any other team in the NBA. They are moving to a new arena next season, kickstarting a new chapter in the franchise's history. They will presumably want to keep George around to be as competitive as possible. The Sixers may therefore lose the PG13 sweepstakes.
It turns out, the Sixers have a backup plan. According to Ian Begley of SNY TV, the Sixers see OG Anunoby as an offseason target if they can't get George.
Sixers Interested in OG Anunoby As Backup Plan to Paul George
OG Anunoby could be a potential target for the Sixers, per @IanBegley
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 23, 2024
“As previously reported, members of the Philadelphia 76ers have seen Anunoby as an offseason target. Paul George is also a target for Philadelphia. But if the Sixers can’t get George, I could see them making… pic.twitter.com/01ONhSpVdt
OG Anunoby was traded to the New York Knicks mid-season in exchange for RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. After giving up significant assets, the Knicks will want to retain Anunoby, especially after how well they played since the trade, coming one win short of the conference finals.
The Sixers have the cap space to make things interesting, however. If they offer Anunoby close to $40 million in annual value, the Knicks might not have the stomach to match that deal. That might seem like an overpay but Philly needs to use their cap space and improve their roster this summer. Anunoby is the ultimate three-and-D wing with the ability to guard anybody. He would give the Sixers much-needed size, physicality, and defensive intensity.
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