Sixers Reportedly Eyeing Paul George Insurance Plan
The Sixers have already made the big free agency splash fans were praying for this offseason – landing Paul George on a four-year max contract – but it doesn’t look like they’re done making moves.
Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports reported Thursday that the Sixers have ‘definite interest’ in adding former Heat small forward Caleb Martin in free agency.
One July 4th nugget before i go back to beach drinking:
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) July 4, 2024
Had heard from a league source yesterday Caleb Martin was probably out of the Sixers’ realistic offering range, but my understanding is they’re still monitoring as his market plays out. Definite interest
Martin May Be Too Pricey for Sixers’ Budget
Before you get too invested, you should note that Martin may be demanding more money than the Sixers would offer.
He just declined a $7.1 million player option for the upcoming season and is likely looking for a career-defining contract.
Caleb Martin reportedly declined an extension from the Heat earlier in the offseason and was said to be seeking $15 million annually, per @flasportsbuzz
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 4, 2024
Miami is no longer able to offer that contract, and Martin has yet to find an offer similar to Miami's previous offer.
(Via… pic.twitter.com/b4nIz2P0D8
Martin will be 29 years old by the start of the upcoming season and has made more than $2 million only in the past two years.
That complicates matters because Philadelphia is just $10.3 million below the first apron after dishing out tons of money this offseason, and they still have to fill out their roster beyond their current 11 players.
If Philadelphia can find a way to make it work, though, it would be an ideal addition to its rotation.
The Sixers’ current second unit is relatively thin and is low on experience, and they have just one small forward on the roster (Kelly Oubre Jr.). They’re relying on rookie Jared McCain, second-year player Ricky Council IV, fifth-year player Paul Reed, and veteran center Andre Drummond.
Martin would fill several needs.
He could back up aging guard Eric Gordon, provide much-needed defense off the bench and also give the team a backup plan if the oft-injured Paul George goes down.
George played in 74 games last season but averaged just 47.25 games per season in the four years before that.
If the 34-year-old sustains a significant injury, Philadelphia could shift Oubre Jr. to power forward and start Martin at small forward.
If George remains healthy, Martin would still be very useful as a floor spacer (35.7% from 3-point range in his career) and defender.
Stay tuned to Section 215 for updates on the Sixers' free agency moves this offseason.
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