Latest spill pushes the 76ers over the top in Paul George talks

Judging by how the virtual majority has been talking over the last week or so, it seems like the Philadelphia 76ers have zeroed in on signing Paul George as their primary focus this offseason, which is expected by many to be filled with fireworks for the franchise this time around.

Well, the 76ers haven’t been exactly shied away from admitting that George will indeed be on their radar as one of their most coveted cogs. In fact, the initial rumors linking the team to the All-Star forward dates back to a couple of months ago.

But this time, it seems like it would be truly safe to pencil Philadelphia in as the frontrunner to lure him out of Hollywood, especially in light of the latest spill surrounding his contract situation.

Latest spill pushes the 76ers over the top in Paul George talks

According to HoopsHype, while the Clippers’ preference is to keep their core of Kawhi Leonard, George, and James Harden together, their front office didn’t want to offer any more than Leonard’s three-year, $153 million extension to keep George.

Clearly, George and his camp wouldn’t be amenable to a below-market rate for his next contract, and while the Clippers are likely to still yield to his demands, their hesitation isn’t exactly unjustified as they could pivot to.a more conservative approach given their waning title window and lack of future-proofing.

If so, the 76ers will have a golden opportunity to swoop in and be even more aggressive in their pursuit of George. Philly’s brass probably won’t hesitate to give him what he wants as long as Daryl Morey is in charge, and the team does have the financial room to make way for him.

Obviously, George would be a dream fit next to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. And while the machinations toward faving him in the fould could be complicated, it’s hard to envision a scenario where it backfires as long as the front office fills the roster nicely.