Paul George signing 4-year, $212M deal with 76ers
Mon Jul 1 5:11am ET
Field Level Media
Star forward Paul George and the Philadelphia 76ers agreed on a four-year, $212 million maximum contract, ESPN reported early Monday morning.
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. The gap was significant. We understand and respect Paul's decision to look elsewhere for his next contract."
Shortly after that, a report from ESPN indicated that the Sixers were the front-runners to bring George into the fold.
Philadelphia apparently succeeded in that quest, establishing a formidable trio that also includes 2023 MVP Joel Embiid and All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey. The 76ers went 47-35 last season and locked down the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference with a play-in victory before they were knocked out by the New York Knicks in the first round of the playoffs.
George played at least 60 games for Los Angeles for the first time in 2023-24, appearing in 74 contests, all starts. He averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 47.1 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from 3-point range.
In 14 NBA seasons with the Pacers (2010-17), the Oklahoma City Thunder (2017-19) and the Clippers, George has career averages of 20.8 points, 6.3 boards, 3.7 assists and 1.7 steals across 867 games (819 starts).
George declined his player option with Los Angeles to enter free agency on Saturday.
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Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (pelvis) is considered doubtful ahead of Monday's game against the Denver Nuggets. Quickley has been sidelined due to a right pelvic contusion that he suffered during the season opener. The Raptors continue to list him as doubtful, so it doesn't sound like he's close to a return. Davion Mitchell figures to continue starting and will have streaming appeal until Quickley is able to play again.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) was seen doing shooting drills during Sunday's practice. It sounds like Vanderbilt is making progress, but the team hasn't given a solid timetable for his return to the court. Vanderbilt has been out all season due while he recovers from foot surgery. Jaxson Hayes should continue seeing increased minutes with Vanderbilt sidelined. Once healthy, Vanderbilt should contribute off the bench, but it probably won't be enough to warrant rostering in fantasy formats.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (ankle) was able to suit up and participate during Sunday's practice. This news comes after Reaves went to the locker room during Friday's game due to an injury. Reaves was able to return to the contest, but appears to still be banged up. It seems like Reaves should be able to play during Monday's game against the Detroit Pistons. Max Christie and Gabe Vincent figure to see increased playing time if Reaves is unable to play.
Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (back) is available for Sunday's game against the Detroit Pistons. The Nets continue to be cautious with Simmons, but he'll suit up for this game. However, he's unlikely to play on Monday against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Nets are holding Simmons out of back-to-back contests, so he shouldn't be available on Monday. Simmons is coming off his best performance of the season where he scored eight points with 11 rebounds, and two blocks against the Chicago Bulls. That was an encouraging statline from the oft-injured guard.
Bucks' G Damian Lillard scored 41 points on 13-of-24 shooting in a 113-114 loss to the Cavaliers on Saturday, Nov. 2.
Sacramento's F Domantas Sabonis recorded a triple-double, finishing with 17 points, 10 assists and 20 rebounds in a 128-131 loss to Toronto on Saturday, Nov. 2.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) has yet to play this season. As a result, tensions have been high in recent interactions between the media and some members of the team. However, it reached a boiling point on Saturday after the Sixers loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, with ESPN's Shams Charania reporting that Embiid got into an "altercation" with Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes. The 2023 MVP confronted Hayes, reportedly taking issue with a recent column that made mention of Embiid's deceased brother while also referencing his son. As expected, it didn't sit well with Embiid, resulting a verbal confrontation followed by the multi-time All-Star allegedly "shoving" Hayes before both were eventually separated. The league has already launched an investigation, although it's unknown if Embiid will be punished for the incident.
Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (knee) is questionable for Sunday's matchup with the Dallas Mavericks. Carter is dealing with a knee issue, keeping him off the floor for Friday's loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. With Goga Bitadze (foot) also sidelined for that one, Moritz Wagner got the start, finishing with 14 points, five boards, and two steals. If Carter and Bitadze remain out on Sunday, Wagner will be worth streaming in all fantasy formats.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (ankle) was diagnosed with a sprained right ankle, an injury he sustained during the October 30 meeting with the Brooklyn Nets. He is considered "week-to-week." Smart is no stranger to injury, with the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year appearing in just 20 games in his first season with the Grizzlies in 2023-24. Of course, it's not an ideal scenario for the team, especially with Desmond Bane (oblique) also sidelined for the foreseeable future. But in the meantime, Jaylen Wells, Santi Aldama, and Scotty Pippen Jr. should continue to benefit from a production standpoint, so fantasy managers can consider each player for streaming purposes until Smart or Bane are back on the floor.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Desmond Bane (oblique) was diagnosed with a right oblique strain. He is considered "week-to-week." The 26-year-old has averaged 18.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.0 steals while shooting 40.6% from behind the arc this season. Of course, this is a tough blow for the Grizzlies, although it is magnified, considering Bane hasn't played more than 58 games in each of the last two seasons. With Marcus Smart (ankle) sidelined as well moving forward, the team will turn to Jaylen Wells and Santi Aldama to fill the void, with the duo combining for 25 points and 18 rebounds in Saturday's win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Fantasy managers can look in their direction while Bane and Smart are on the shelf. The same can be said for Scotty Pippen Jr., who had 12 points and 13 assists off the bench on Saturday.
Phoenix Suns guard/forward Bradley Beal (elbow) will play on Saturday versus the Portland Trail Blazers. He's missed the last two games because of a sprained right elbow. As a result, Ryan Dunn got the start, most recently scoring 16 points in Thursday's win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Fantasy managers can get Beal back in the starting lineup. However, Dunn's upside is capped with his return to the bench.
Brooklyn Nets utility man Ben Simmons (back) is questionable for Sunday's contest versus Detroit. It's the first of back-to-back outings for Brooklyn, so if Simmons plays against the Pistons, he likely won't be out there on Monday against the Grizzlies. The 28-year-old started in all five of his appearances this season. But he hasn't been productive, averaging 6.2 points, 6.2 assists, and 6.0 rebounds. With Nicolas Claxton returning to form after battling a hamstring injury to begin the year, Simmons will likely return to the bench. However, no matter his role, he hasn't been a reliable starting option for fantasy managers.
Indiana Pacers center Isaiah Jackson (Achilles) is done for the season after suffering an injury during Friday's game. Jackson suffered a torn right Achilles tendon which was a non-contact play during Friday's loss. Fellow big man James Wiseman (Achilles) suffered a season-ending injury on Opening Night. The Pacers have now lost two big men what seems like only a handful of games. That leaves Obi Toppin and Jarace Walker as the primary big men behind Myles Turner. Toppin hasn't been great this season, but is worth looking at with the Pacers extremely shorthanded now. He's averaging 10.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists across 20 minutes per game and his playing time is only going to increase now.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (arm) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Simons fell on his arm during Friday's loss, but it seems like it was a minor issue. Simons appears to be fine and should play his normal workload on Saturday. He put together his worst performance of the season on Friday, but has been solid outside of that. Fantasy managers should go ahead and get him back in their lineups for this one.
Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (back) is back in the starting five ahead of Saturday's game against the Houston Rockets. Wiggins will make his return to the court after missing each of the last two games due to a lower back strain. His return will push Lindy Waters III to the bench, which will certainly hurt his streaming value. The Warriors are without Stephen Curry (ankle) so Wiggins should be asked to do more on offense. Fantasy managers can go ahead and get Wiggins active in their lineups on Saturday.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) has been cleared to play ahead of Saturday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. As expected, Antetokounmpo will play despite dealing with a knee issue. The Bucks continue to list him as probable, but Antetokounmpo has suited up every game this season. He has finished with a double-double every game with over 22 points in each of the first six games. Fantasy managers can go ahead and get Antetokounmpo active in their lineups.
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (concussion) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's game against the Utah Jazz. This doesn't come as much of a shock after Murray was forced to exit early during Friday's game. He's currently in the league's concussion protocol, which could mean he misses a few games. The Nuggets haven't named the replacement for Murray, but Russell Westbrook figures to be the most likely candidate. Westbrook is a hit-or-miss type of fantasy players, but fantasy managers in need of help should look his way on Saturday.
Sacramento Kings forward Doug McDermott will move into the starting five ahead of Saturday's game against the Toronto Raptors. The veteran forward will get the starting nod with Kevin Huerter (illness) unable to play. Keon Ellis figured to get the start, but the Kings decided to go with McDermott. Normally, McDermott isn't a great fantasy option off the bench, but he could be more effective with extended run. He should be able to provide reliable shooting from beyond the arc.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Caris LeVert (knee) won't play in Saturday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. LeVert is dealing with knee soreness. However, it's more likely he's getting a night off, considering he logged 22 minutes on Friday against the Orlando Magic. The 30-year-old has averaged 12.0 points and 4.3 assists this season. He's also shot an impressive 52.4% from behind the arc. With Max Strus (ankle) on the shelf, LeVert has been a vital piece of the Cavs rotation. But without him, Ty Jerome and Sam Merrill could benefit the most versus Milwaukee.
Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (pelvis) won't play in Saturday's game against the Sacramento Kings. The former Knick is moving in the right direction, although he continues to deal with the residual effects of the hard fall he took in the opener. Davion Mitchell, averaging 9.0 points, 6.6 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in five starts this season, will continue to fill the void in the starting lineup. Mitchell should remain a viable fantasy streaming option for Saturday night. That may extend to Monday if Quickley isn't ready to get back on the floor.
