According to recent reports, the Philadelphia 76ers are no longer interested in signing Paul George in free agency, a surprising development after the All-Star has been strongly linked to the franchise since the conclusion of the season.
George’s latest comments which drew major flak may also have played a role in this, but it could also just be Philly’s front office realizing that maxing out the nine-time All-Star, who’s slowly fading away from his prime years, isn’t the wisest of maneuvers out there. Hence, in his place, here are three free agents the 76ers should sign this offseason.
1. The 76ers should pry open whatever crack OG Anunoby could have with his current club
OG Anunoby’s once clear fate in free agency has now morphed into a game of uncertainties. New York, widely seen as the runaway favorites to sign him this offseason, has reportedly offered a lofty extension to the two-time All-Defensive Team member, but so far, the forward has been rumored to be unmoved by their offer.
With George now out of their whiteboard, the 76ers can double down on their aggression toward signing Anunoby. As long as the Knicks don’t deliver the clincher deal, Philadelphia should pressure New York and Anunoby with a godfather offer that could be very hard to match for the former and deny for the latter.
Anunoby, one of the premiere defenders in the entire league, is a near-perfect fit for the 76ers. He will instantly bolster a roster lacking playable forwards as of writing, all while giving the team a legitimate third fiddle who won’t be an obstacle to their offensive pecking order and can assume the robe as their defensive anchor.