The Philadelphia 76ers got the biggest prize in free agency.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the 76ers and Paul George have agreed on a four-year, $212 million maximum contract, which includes a player option.
George and his agent met with 76ers owner Josh Harris, President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey, GM Elton Brand, and Sixers legend Julius Erving in Los Angeles, according to Wojnarowski.
With George’s addition, Philly has a “Big 3” that includes All-Stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
Speaking of Maxey, according to Wojnarowski, he has agreed in principle with the team on a five-year, $204 million maximum contract extension.
Last season, the first-time All-Star had career-highs in points(25.9), rebounds(3.7), and assists(6.2). Maxey was eligible for an extension last summer, but he waited, which allowed Philly to create cap space.
Back to George, the nine-time All-Star averaged 22.6 points, 5,2 rebounds, and 3,5 assists per contest last season. The 14-year veteran helps the team win now.
Oubre is back!!
Philly remained busy on the opening day of free agency as they re-signed guard Kelly Oubre Jr.,
According to Woj, it’s a two-year, $16.3 million deal with a player option for the 2025-2026 season. This sounds like another one-year deal for the 28-year-old, who signed a one-year contract with Philly last offseason.
Last season, Oubre fit nicely with the team, averaging 15.4 points and 5.1 rebounds per contest.
Drummond and Gordon are coming to Philly!
According to Shams Charania, free agent center Andre Drummond plans to sign a two-year, $10-plus million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Last season, Drummond averaged 8.4 points and 9.0 rebounds in just 17 minutes per contest. Against the Knicks, the 76ers were outworked on the boards, but with Drummond in the mix, that could change. The 30-year-old spent half the season with the 76ers in 2022 before being dealt to the Nets.
In addition, Philly has reportedly signed veteran guard Eric Gordon. Last season, the 35-year-old averaged 11.0 points per contest, including 38% from downtown. Gordon adds depth to the backcourt, and a guy is sold shooter from deep.
Analysis:
The time is now for the 76ers, and after dealing James Harden and clearing cap space, Philly got themselves a bona fide third star in George. While this move does not come without risks, George is an upgrade over anything they had last season.
The 76ers have a short window with Embiid, so they have to go for it, and George should have at least 2-3 good seasons of solid basketball left in him. With the move, the 76ers are legitimate title contenders; however, they need Embiid and George, who both have had injury issues, to stay healthy.
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