Home/NBA

USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The 76ers are wading deep into the free-agent market. It appears that they have/will be roping in Andre Drummond after he opted out of his Chicago Bulls contract. It would mark the return of the 2x All-Star since leaving in 2022. All that’s left for the team is to officially confirm he’s back. Though he’s dropped a mysterious spoiler already. This could mean big things for Joel Embiid’s declaration to prevent a Celtics dynasty.

Drummond won’t be the only blockbuster free agent they pick up. The Sixers are looking at veteran talent in the form of Paul George too. Or so the rumors claim. First Andre Drummond rejected the Bulls’ offer and entered free agency. He wasn’t on the market for long, it appears. NBA insiders claim that he has ‘verbally’ agreed to a two-year deal worth $10 million with the Philly side. Before confirmation came in, Drummond hopped on X with a single sentence.

I’m in the mood for a Philly cheesesteak,” he wrote. Sharing his cheat day cravings or something more? The embracing emoji also seems to point at a return to Philadelphia where there’s the famous cheesesteak and Sixers nation who want him back.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Drummond had previously declined the Bulls’ offer to trade him at the recent February decline when the Sixers were interested. But after their loss in the play-in tournament, it was expected he’d opt for free agency. Despite the Chicago side’s less-than-stellar run in the past two seasons, Drummond became a Chi-town fave averaging 7.3 points and 7.9 rebounds in 146 games he suited up for.

This might not be the biggest move the Sixers make if rumors are to be believed. With the reigning champions in the East, they’re fortifying the roster to make things tougher for them.

Sixers could get Paul George after the Clippers’ denial to meet terms

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

After much was speculated about his free agency, Paul George opted out of the final year of his contract. He’s reportedly in talks with the 76ers and Magic, along with obviously the Clippers. But insiders claim that he’s leaning heavily towards the Sixers. Negotiations between PG and the Clippers this past season haven’t been ideal since they signed Kawhi to a 3-year extension worth $153 million, below his max. They’ve been hoping to sign Paul to a similar deal to avoid the 2nd apron tax while he’s seeking a 4-year max contract.

In a shocking revelation, Brian Windhorst revealed, “When they signed Kawhi [Leonard] to that deal…they never told Paul George about it. Paul George found out about it when the rest of the world found out…Forgive what the Clippers said and judge them on their actions.” So, if the Clippers are reluctant to pull the trigger, the Sixers have been reportedly waiting to give him his deal.

Philly news outlets report that the team is looking for high-caliber role players to counter a robust Celtics roster. And PG-13, who shoots more than 40% from beyond the arc, can put up healthy 20-point hauls in every game. Well, that seems to be what the franchise is striving towards as they freed up a lot of cap space with strategic moves as they overhaul their roster around Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Before you go, do not forget to check out Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, to open up about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud. Keep checking this space for more such updates.