76ers News: Paul George & Joel Embiid’s Destructive Pattern Could Force Daryl Morey to Chasing 6’11 Big Man

As the NBA Finals are just a few days away, the Celtics and the Mavericks are currently making all the headlines on the court. However, off the court, Daryl Morey’s Philadelphia 76ers are not staying behind. The Philly team has the second-largest projected cap space with more than $61 Million, behind the Detroit Pistons. Hence, many big names, including LeBron James, Paul George, and Jimmy Butler are heavily linked to the Morey’s side.

Although James will most likely stay with the Lakers, Clippers Star Paul George is currently in a dilemma between family and money. Steve Ballmer and the Clippers are reportedly not willing to pay George more than Kawhi Leonard, who was recently handed a 3-year $152 million with the Clippers. Meanwhile, the 76ers are willing to offer PG13 with around $212 Million. However, George earlier talked about his family dilemma, as his mother is from LA and he has already built a good bond with the City of Los Angeles. That’s why it will be a tougher decision for George.

On the other hand, even if the 76ers sign the Clippers star, they will have the 2 most injury-prone superstars on their roster in Joel Embiid and PG. Although PG turned up for playoffs after a while for the Clippers, Emiid’s injury cost the 76ers in the first round of the playoffs vs the Knicks. Certainly, Morey is already taking a huge risk with both the players’ destructive patterns. Hence, an Embiid backup is vital for the Philly side if they want to cross the hurdle in the Eastern Conference.

As per a recent report from Spotrac, a few big men have emerged as possible candidates; they are Andre Drummond and Jonas Valanciunas. 6’11 Center, Drummond previously played for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2021-22 season. Certainly, the Chicago Bulls Center won’t mind going back to his old house. Meanwhile, 32YO Pelicans Center Valanciunas is another decent option for an Embiid backup. Philly GM Morey has plenty of cash to spare to sign some notable names; Drummond and Valanciunas could certainly make them a contender in the East.

Is Philadelphia 76ers the Worst Place for Free Agents?

In a recent episode of Gil’s Arena podcast, ex-NBA Star, Gilbert Arenas claimed, “Free agents don’t go to certain cities” while taking a dig at Philly. However, Arenas emphasized Jimmy Butler‘s return to the 76ers, which could be the best fit for the team, more than LeBron James or Paul George.

As per Spotrac, the 76ers will have $8 Million plus room exception along with $61 million cap space. Also, they have a projected luxury tax space of $113.9 million, which is way below the first apron. Hence, Morey has a chance to give Tyrese Maxey the max extension, while signing a few big names in the summer.

Although there were certain notions about free agents going to Philly, Morey will do everything in his power to get some big names to the 76ers, maybe apart from James Harden. Who do you think will go to Philly in the Summer? Let us know in the comments.

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