George forms tough Sixers trio; Warriors’ Thompson now a free agent
Star forward Paul George and the Philadelphia 76ers agreed on a four-year, $212 million maximum contract, ESPN reported early Monday morning.
That stunning development came after reports that the Golden State Warriors released longtime dynasty core player Klay Thompson and veteran Chris Paul.
George accepted the deal at a meeting with members of Philadelphia’s front office, per the report. Team owner Josh Harris, general manager Elton Brand, president of basketball operations Daryl Morey and Sixers Hall of Famer Julius Erving reportedly were among those on hand when the sides got together in Los Angeles.
The 76ers’ contingent, per ESPN, also featured team executive Peter Dinwiddie, who used to work for the Pacers and became close with George during his time in Indiana.
ESPN reported that George’s new deal includes a player option for the 2027-28 campaign, the final season of the contract.
George, 34, spent the past five seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, who released a statement on Sunday that revealed his plans to sign elsewhere.
“Paul has informed us that he is signing his next contract with another team,” the statement read. “Paul is a tremendous talent and an elite two-way player. We feel fortunate for the five years we spent with him.
“We negotiated for months with Paul and his representative on a contract that would make sense for both sides, and we were left far apart.”
Sweet-shooting
The Clippers, though, managed to hang on to James Harden, who has reportedly reached a two-year deal to stay in the other LA club.
Harden, according to multiple reports, reached a deal worth $70 million to spend the next two seasons with the Clippers.
The sweet-shooting Thompson, a 13-year NBA veteran and one half of the “Splash Brothers” tandem of the Warriors along with Steph Curry, is expected to have talks with Dallas, Philadelphia, the Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers.
LeBron James is expected to re-sign with the Lakers to play alongside son Bronny next season and reportedly has said he would take a pay cut if it would help the Lakers sign certain top free agents such as Thompson.
The Warriors also announced they had waived 39-year-old Paul, a 12-time NBA All-Star, in a move to save luxury tax funds. Paul is reported to be joining the San Antonio Spurs, where he will team up with Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama. —REPORTS FROM REUTERS, AFP
