Celtics rival lands big fish in NBA free agency
The Boston Celtics’ competition in the Eastern Conference just got harder. As reported Sunday night around the start of NBA free agency, free-agent forward Paul George has agreed to a…
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 31: Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers reacts after making a three point basket in the first half against the Chicago Bulls at United Center on March 31, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
Quinn Harris/Getty ImagesThe Boston Celtics' competition in the Eastern Conference just got harder.
As reported Sunday night around the start of NBA free agency, free-agent forward Paul George has agreed to a four-year, $212 million max contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. George had previously spent the past five seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers.
George averaged 22.6 points per game while shooting 47.1% from the field for the Clippers in 2023-24, adding 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists. He earned his ninth All-Star selection in the process.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images<p style="font-size:10pt">SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 14: Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers goes up for a dunk on Moses Moody #4 of the Golden State Warriors in the second half at Chase Center on February 14, 2024 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)</p>
For the Sixers, they add another veteran All-Star to big man Joel Embiid and guard Tyrese Maxey to comprise a formidable new "Big 3" in the Eastern Conference. It remains to be seen if George's presence can get the Sixers over the hump in the playoffs, where they haven't advanced past the second round since the 2000-01 season.
If Embiid, George and Maxey are all healthy, they could give the NBA champion Celtics a challenge. But as a team, they'll have a lot to prove. And they're certainly not dethroning the C's as the east favorite at this point.
The Celtics, meanwhile, have been relatively quiet to start free agency, which is no surprise. But they did retain two internal free agent big men in Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and digital content producer for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Read all of his articles here.
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