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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Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (adductor) is questionable for Saturday's game in Atlanta. The 29-year-old last played in the win over Brooklyn on November 1, scoring 21 points while going 5-for-9 from behind the arc. However, he's missed the Bulls' previous three contests because of a right adductor strain. If LaVine can't return for Saturday's contest, Ayo Dosunmu, averaging 14.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in three starts this season, should continue to fill the void in the rotation.
Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (pelvis) is questionable for Saturday's game versus the Clippers. He hasn't played since the opener and has been on the shelf since because of a pelvic contusion. Fortunately, there's optimism the former Knick will be back soon, potentially as early as Saturday's game. It's unknown if Quickley will see limited minutes in his first game back, assuming he plays. But if he's not back on the floor, Davion Mitchell, averaging 10.3 points, 6.8 assists, and 1.0 steals in eight starts this season, could continue to directly benefit.
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (foot) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Spurs. The 21-year-old has played well this season, averaging a career-high 15.6 points and 6.4 assists. But he's in danger of missing the meeting with San Antonio because of foot soreness. If George can't get on the floor, Jordan Clarkson would presumably take over his spot in the rotation, increasing his fantasy potential. Collin Sexton and Lauri Markkanen could also benefit from a production standpoint without George in the equation.
San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham (ankle) is questionable for Saturday's contest versus the Utah Jazz. The 2022 No. 20 overall pick recorded a season-high 17 points in Thursday's win over the Portland Trail Blazers. But he tweaked his ankle late in the game and is now questionable against a Jazz team with only one victory during the 2024-25 campaign. Branham has played relatively well this season. However, he's not a consistent fantasy producer, and even if he plays, his outlook won't be as favorable if Devin Vassell (foot) is back on the floor.
According to Bennett Durando of The Denver Post, Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (concussion) is expected to play versus the Miami Heat on Friday. Murray has missed three straight games after being placed in concussion protocol on November 1st after suffering a concussion versus the Timberwolves. If the 27-year-old's time on the court is limited on Friday, expect Christian BraunandPeyton Watsonto grab some of the minutes that could be potentially available.
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (illness) will play on Friday versus the Dallas Mavericks. The sharpshooter was a late addition to the injury report because of an illness. However, he's good to go. Bradley Beal (elbow) is also cleared to suit up, meaning fewer minutes and scoring opportunities will be available for guys like Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale, and Tyus Jones.
Phoenix Suns guard/forward Bradley Beal (elbow) will play on Friday versus the Mavericks. The elbow injury isn't anything new, so most were aware that there was a good chance he'd be out there on Friday night. With Devin Booker (illness) also cleared to suit up, it should mean fewer minutes and scoring opportunities for Royce O'Neale, Grayson Allen, and Tyus Jones.
Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams (back) will take the court against the Pacers on Friday despite dealing with some lower back soreness earlier in the day. He was initially listed as probable after sustaining the injury during Wednesday's win over the Pistons. With Miles Bridges (knee) out, the 25-year-old is expected to be part of the starting lineup. Across eight contests, Williams is averaging 8.6 points, 2.6 assists, and 4.0 rebounds in 26.0 minutes per game.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (back) won't play in Friday's meeting with the New York Knicks. The 25-year-old began the season in the starting lineup. However, he's struggled this season, resulting in a demotion to the bench in favor of Andre Jackson Jr., who had seven points, four assists, and four steals in Thursday's win over the Utah Jazz. With that said, Trent wouldn't have been featured in most fantasy lineups, so his absence on Friday won't be much of a blow to managers.
According to Orlando Magic beat writer Adam Koffler, New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green announced that power forward Zion Williamson will not play in Friday's game against Orlando because of tightness in his left hamstring. The 24-year-old attempted to participate in the game on Wednesday but temporarily left due to an unspecified injury; however, he managed to complete the game. With Williamson unavailable, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Daniel Theis are expected to receive more minutes on the court.
Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (illness) won't play in Friday's matchup with the Hornets. The veteran was listed as questionable. But an illness will keep him off the floor against Charlotte. McConnell isn't a consistent fantasy producer, considering he has averaged 9.8 points and 4.1 assists this season. However, his absence could mean more work for Ben Sheppard, who will likely draw value attention from DFS managers on Friday evening.
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (illness) is now questionable for Friday's game against the Mavericks. He's not feeling well, so fantasy managers will anxiously await an update regarding his availability. If Booker can't play, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal (elbow) are the favorites to pick up the slack on the scoring end. At the same time, Royce O'Neale, Grayson Allen, and Tyus Jones could exceed expectations if Booker can't get on the floor.
Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (hamstring) won't play on Friday versus the Nets. With Kristaps Porzingis (foot) sidelined, Kornet has been getting some work from off the bench for the C's. However, he injured his hamstring in Wednesday's matchup with the Warriors and will now miss his first contest of the 2024-25 campaign. Al Horford will handle things in the middle. But there's room for Xavier Tillman Sr. to get more involved, although fantasy managers will be taking a risk by putting him in the starting lineup.
Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze will start in Friday's game versus the Pelicans. With Wendell Carter Jr. (foot) out again, Bitadze will remain with the first five. The 25-year-old has played well in his two starts this season, averaging 10.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals. While Bitadze's free-throw shooting could use some work, he remains a practical streaming option for fantasy managers against a New Orleans team plagued by injuries.
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (ankle) won't play in Friday's meeting with the visiting Hawks. He tweaked his ankle in Wednesday's one-point loss to the Charlotte Hornets, limiting him to just eight minutes of work. Isaiah Stewart got more involved, finishing with seven boards, six assists, one steal, and one block. Duren's next chance to get on the floor will be on Sunday versus Houston. In the meantime, Stewart is worth streaming in any fantasy format, and he'll likely draw value attention from DFS participants. In addition, Paul Reed, who had 13 points in 12 minutes versus Charlotte, should be viewed as a risky, high-upside option.
According to Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star, Indiana Pacers forwardAaron Nesmith(ankle) will miss his third consecutive contest on Friday against Charlotte due to a sprained left ankle.Nesmith suffered the injury during the Pacers' loss to the Pelicans one week ago and has been wearing a walking boot since. During the 25-year-old's absence, second-year players Ben Sheppard and Jarace Walker have seen an uptick in minutes on the court.
According to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Miami Heat forward/centerKevin Love(conditioning) will not be available for Friday's contest against the Denver Nuggets. Love hasn't played in a game this season for personal reasons. He appears close to playing form and could make his season debut versus the Timberwolves on Sunday. Thomas Bryant and Haywood Highsmithhave taken more prominent roles in rotation during Love's absence.
Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (illness) picked up a questionable tag heading into their Friday night matchup with the Charlotte Hornets. The backup point guard is dealing with an illness, so it will likely be a game-time decision based on how he's feeling. Since Andrew Nembhard (knee) is considered probable, he'll see some extra minutes while Bennedict Mathurin and Ben Sheppard should see more opportunities as well.
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (knee) has been listed as probable ahead of the Friday night game against the Charlotte Hornets. Despite dealing with a sore knee, Nembhard has been able to start and play north of 28 minutes in each of the last two games. He'll likely continue in the same role and may even take on some extra minutes if T.J. McConnell (illness) is unable to suit up. Nembhard hasn't been much of a contributor points-wise, but his assist and steal numbers are suitable for deeper leagues.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (illness) has been tagged as questionable for Friday night's game against the Philadelphia 76ers with an illness. The 26-year-old was unable to suit up for their last game against the Memphis Grizzlies as well, so hopefully he makes a return to the lineup. If he's unable to play, however, Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish are likely to see more minutes again like they did in the Grizzlies game.
