Paul George joining Philadelphia 76ers heating up with reports and Joel Embiid’s ESPN segment

In an eventful Friday for the Philadelphia 76ers that included the announcement of NBC Sports Philadelphia play-by-play announcer Kate Scott being featured on EA Sports’ Madden 25 and guard Cameron Payne getting arrested for giving police a false report, impending free agent and Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George’s attachment to the 76ers overshadowed it all.

I don’t play madden … but I’m playing this year just for you 😂 @katetscott https://t.co/mDNWH7D9ll

— Tyrese Maxey (@TyreseMaxey) June 14, 2024

Throughout Philadelphia’s early offseason, they’ve been linked to Paul George by a variety of reporters. With the 76ers set to have the second-highest amount of cap space this summer, George seeking a max contract, and his ideal fit next to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, it’s truly no wonder why.

Reports surrounding Paul George/Philadelphia 76ers

Things started to truly hit the fan on Friday when ESPN’s Brian Windhorst appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show” and reported that Philadelphia is prepared to offer Paul George a max contract if he were to decline his upcoming $48.8 million player option:

“The two teams that are expected to have a serious look at him are the 76ers, who have opened up cap space to give him a max contract — over $50 million to start, [and] the Orlando Magic.” (ht: Sixers_Galaxy via X).

Paul George has established himself as one of the best players in the NBA throughout the past decade with a series of accolades consisting of all-star honors, all-NBA/defensive teams, and even MVP votes. However, the one vacancy in George’s trophy case is an NBA Finals ring.

With that being said, Paul George, who will turn 34 years old next season, will likely want to pursue a championship. While the Orlando Magic are a very talented up-and-coming team, George would likely have a better shot at the Larry O’ by joining the 76ers. 

Considering that, it wouldn’t be shocking if Paul George’s camp is using the Orlando Magic and even the 76ers as leverage to force the Los Angeles Clippers to offer him a max contract. This theory checks out when Brian Windhorst went on further to say that George and the Clippers “aren’t on the same page” with contract negotiations during his segment on “The Pat McAfee Show”. 

It feels the Sixers are just one podcaster away from a true championship roster

Welcome to the dark side Paul George https://t.co/Dv0l0NL3zP

— Sean Barnard (@Sean_Barnard1) June 14, 2024

Joel Embiid and Paul George star on NBA Countdown

This article would’ve ended here if it weren’t for Joel Embiid’s impromptu appearance on ESPN’s NBA Countdown for Game Four of the NBA Finals which happened to feature Paul George as a guest (I’m sure this wasn’t on purpose at all!). Before the segment even began, show host Malika Andrews posted a picture of Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Kendrick Perkins, which nuked NBA Twitter (X). 

Impromptu guest dropping by NBA Countdown… next! pic.twitter.com/0LXtX3T2vn

— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) June 15, 2024

During his brief segment on NBA Countdown, Joel Embiid gave positive updates on his health after battling through a multitude of injuries during the playoffs, and to 76ers fans’ delight, he also expressed his hatred towards the Boston Celtics.

But, most importantly, Joel Embiid was practically openly flirting with Paul George on national television for the entire world to see with some helpful instigating from Kendrick Perkins and the rest of the ESPN crew: “Hopefully this offseason we find a way to get better [side-eyes George] and add some pieces.”

Embiid talks about adding in the offseason and side eyes Paul George lol pic.twitter.com/JzvfL9f7oa

— Jake (@JakeMarc23) June 15, 2024

While this was just entertaining television, Joel Embiid (a notorious troll) did confirm that he certainly has an interest in playing with Paul George by giving him a side-eye seen around the world. With Embiid’s possible interest and Daryl Morey’s addiction to adding star players, Paul George to the 76ers could have some truth to it.

It’s no secret that Paul George wants to remain in Los Angeles for both basketball and personal reasons. However, if the Clippers front office truly doesn’t want to give Paul George a max contract, then the star forward is Philadelphia’s to lose.

Mandatory Credit: ESPN's NBA Countdown (screenshot)