Paul George 76ers Rumors: Clippers Star’s Viral Joel Embiid Admission Resurfaces Days After Speculations Started Swirling

The final stretch of the 2023-24 season is in full swing. With a handful of games remaining in the regular season, teams are competing to bag a higher seed before the playoffs start. Two teams in this year’s heated playoff race are the LA Clippers and the Philadelphia 76ers. And if things do not work out for either of them, many expect a big shift next season. With Paul George’s expiring contract with the Clippers, there have been rumors about the Sixers’ interest in pairing him with Joel Embiid. And PG’s viral admission about the reigning MVP is adding fuel to the fire.

Paul George is in the third year of his 4-year $176.2 million contract with the Clippers. He has a $48.7 million player option for next season, forgoing which would make him an unrestricted free agent this summer. And that could be the Sixers’ chance to swoop in and team him up with Embiid. Amid the rumors, an old video of Paul George revealing his fandom for Embiid is making the rounds on social media. In January’s episode of Podcast P with Paul George, the Clippers superstar said, “I’m a big fan of Joel man.”

In the clip, PG admired Joel Embiid’s versatility and hilarious personality. PG revealed he shares a good relationship with the reigning MVP and even expressed the desire to bring him as a guest on his podcast. “We need a bigger seat.” George added. Paul George praising Embiid on his podcast further escalates the rumors of his move to Philadelphia this summer.

How likely is Paul George’s move to Philadelphia?

While Kawhi Leonard finalized a 3-year $152.4 million deal with the Clippers in January, Paul George is yet to sign a contract extension. That means he might be open to weighing his options after the end of this season. The Clippers are currently seeded 4th in the Western Conference with a 48-28 record. If they fail to make a deep run in the playoffs again this season, PG could decide to part ways with them. The Clippers have not found any significant success since Kawhi and George joined the team in 2019.

If Paul George decides to leave LA, Philly could be the perfect destination for him. The Sixers can clear around $76.8 million cap space this off-season to acquire a star like Paul George. According to Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey, the Sixers have a strong desire to acquire the 9-time All-Star in free agency.

The 33-year-old could be a perfect fit alongside Joel Embiid and rising star Tyrese Maxey. The Sixers were on fire before Embiid injured his knee in January. And the addition of Paul George next season could be the move that finally gets them over the hump. But it might all depend on how far the Clippers go in the playoffs this season.

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