The Philadelphia 76ers are easing off in pursuing one of their top targets in free agency.
The team had been interested in Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George to complement their established stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
However, the Sixers' interest in George has recently declined, according to league insider Shams Charania of The Athletic.
The Clippers have not offered an extension to the nine-time NBA All-Star, who holds a player option for the 2024-25 season worth $48.7 million. He could also opt-out and enter free agency this summer.
George and Embiid made a guest appearance together during ESPN's coverage of the 2024 NBA Finals. The 2023 NBA MVP gave a sidelong glance to the 34-year-old when asked about the potential need for help for the team as the Sixers aim to bounce back next season.
Sixers have massive salary cap room entering free agency
The Sixers are projected to have a massive $62 million in salary cap space heading into the offseason, which they plan to use to acquire a marquee player to complement MVP-caliber talent like Embiid in his prime.
George is also seeking a maximum contract, which the Clippers did not grant him over the past year, despite extending a new deal to his Clippers co-star Kawhi Leonard in January 2024.
The 2019 All-NBA First Team member is eligible to receive a maximum four-year deal worth $212 million.
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