Philadelphia’s interest in Paul George has reportedly faded

Apparently, Joel Embiid’s recruitment of Paul George during the NBA Finals pregame wasn’t enough.

George has been linked to the 76ers as a potential free agent landing spot since before the end of the playoffs, but interest between the sides has cooled, reports Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Officially, Philadelphia and George cannot talk or negotiate yet – under the terms of the CBA, he can only negotiate with his current team, the Clippers, at the moment, while negotiations with the 76ers can begin on June 30 – but in the world of NBA tampering, the sides will have at least had some basic discussions at this point.

Philadelphia is looking for a high-level wing to put between Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, someone who can help lead the 76ers to a title. Philadelphia GM Daryl Morey said after the season“I would say the biggest need is…someone on the wing who can play and deliver at a high level in the playoffs.”

George said on his podcast this week that what matters most to him in free agency is not chasing a championship, but “playing the right style of basketball.”

“I mean, definitely contributing to winning basketball… People are saying, ‘chase a championship.’ Like, that’s not it. But playing the right style of basketball is what I’m chasing.”

For George, what is the “right style of basketball?” Last season – alongside James Harden and Kawhi Leonard – he was an All-Star averaging 22.6 points per game with his highest shooting efficiency ever (61.3 true shooting percentage) and although his usage rate has dropped slightly, he has had a strong defensive performance. . George finished just two spots shy of making an All-NBA team last season.

Why might the negotiations have failed?

George may be close to a deal to remain with the Clippers, which could be announced at any time.

It could be the number of years offered. It is understood that the Clippers only want to offer George, 34, three guaranteed years and he was looking for at least four. If Philly also only put three guaranteed years on the table, that could be a problem. Same with money, the Clippers offer was a little below the maximum and if the 76ers offer was at the same level, that might give George pause.

George also said on his podcast that “players talk” about teams and organizations, and Harden called Philadelphia GM Daryl Morey a liar and spoke negatively about him publicly. Could Harden’s thoughts have influenced George?

Could another team with cap space looking for veteran wings and pitching — hello Orlando — have entered the mix, and that cooled negotiations with other teams?

Maybe this is all just the ebb and flow of negotiations, maybe George and the 76ers will come back and come to an agreement.

However, it is more likely that George and the 76ers will not meet this summer.