Paul George shocked the NBA world after news broke out revealing that the star would be signing a contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. Most fans should know that George has been with the Los Angeles Clippers since 2019 but has been unable to find much success with the team in terms of winning an NBA championship.
BREAKING: Free agent F Paul George has agreed on a four-year, $212 million maximum contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources tell ESPN. George committed in a meeting with Sixers officials and returns East to join Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in pursuit of an NBA title. pic.twitter.com/pkCfGu3hyp
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2024
Given that the Clippers are already paying a lot of stars on their roster such as James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, one can certainly understand why Paul George left them to join a team with more cap space. In any case, let us take a look at how fans are feeling about this significant upgrade to the 76ers’ roster.
Many fans believe the Philadelphia 76ers gave Paul George too much
Although the Philadelphia 76ers were one of the few teams that were in a position to contend while having enough salary space to add another star, many fans still believe that offering Paul George a 4-year contract worth $212 million was overpaying him, “That’s $53 million per year on average. They overpaid him.”
That’s $53 million per year on average. They overpaid him
— Franklin (@franklinisbored) July 1, 2024
Overpay but they’re top 3 in the East now
— ³⁰ (@StephMuse_) July 1, 2024
No excuses
— Smiley (@30GotNext) July 1, 2024
The 76ers have not gotten past the second round of the playoffs in recent times. It is certainly possible that adding George to their roster could be enough to get the team over that hump. However, the 76ers have greater aspirations when compared to just making it to the Conference Finals.
Are the Philadelphia 76ers contenders in the Eastern Conference now?
At this point in time, the Boston Celtics should be considered favored over all other teams in the Eastern Conference. The 76ers are certainly in the group of teams trying to catch up to the Celtics. Even if they are able to get better with the addition of Paul George, the success of the team will always come down to Joel Embiid.
Stay Healthy Challenge Impossible
— Double H (@DoubleH_YT) July 1, 2024
Fans have even pointed out that health is going to be an issue with this team. In the event that they are able to stay healthy and build chemistry, the 76ers will be considered legitimate conference contenders next season.