The Philadelphia 76ers are strong frontrunner to land Paul George on a free agent deal, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Sunday, after George informed the Clippers that he will be signing with another team.
George's agent, Aaron Mintz of CAA, had a conversation with LA Clippers president Lawrence Frank on Sunday night that resulted in no new movement on a deal. The Clippers released a statement confirming that George will be leaving in free agency, saying the gap in contract talks was "significant."
The Sixers contingent is set to meet with George in California later Sunday night.
Clippers' statement on Paul George parting ways following a significant gap in contract talks, exploring an opt-in and trade scenario and excitement about new opportunities and greater flexibility under new CBA to field a "highly competitive team" moving forward: pic.twitter.com/Uajbail3Hk
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) July 1, 2024
The Clippers have remained steadfast on a three-year deal, similar to the structure of Kawhi Leonard's three-year, $153-million extension he signed earlier this year. George, meanwhile, is seeking a four-year deal.
Without George, the Clippers are proceeding into free agency armed with a $12.9 million mid-level exception and a $4.7 million bi-annual exception available.
L.A. agreed to a two-year, $70 million deal to keep James Harden in the fold earlier Sunday, sources told ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk.
A nine-time All-Star, George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists last season while shooting career highs of 47.1% from the field, 41.3% from 3-point range and 90.7% from the free throw line.
