76ers sign Paul George, secure Maxey extension, set championship aspirations

PHILADELPHIA — Tyrese Maxey was patient. Despite the uncertainty, he waited, and now the Philadelphia 76ers have rewarded him handsomely.

A year ago, the 76ers asked Maxey to delay signing a contract extension, promising that it would be worth it. At the time, Maxey was not yet an All-Star and had not scored 50 points in a game. The delay allowed the team to effectively manage the salary cap, entering free agency with about $65 million to spend.

This strategic move paid off when the 76ers acquired Paul George from the Los Angeles Clippers on a four-year, $212 million deal. Maxey, the NBA’s Most Improved Player, also received his due: a five-year, $204 million extension. With these signings, the 76ers have committed more than $400 million to two players they believe can help them unseat the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics.

“Maxey’s patience has allowed us to assemble a team that positions us as true contenders this season,” said team president Daryl Morey.

The 76ers have long seen themselves as title contenders, but past rosters have fallen short. Fans remember disappointments involving players like Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris and James Harden. However, this time around, the team feels different.

Paul George and Tyrese Maxey held their first official press conference at the 76ers facility in New Jersey on Tuesday. Ownership, management and teammates were in attendance, all expressing optimism for the upcoming season.

“I think we’re good to go,” team owner Josh Harris said. “This is one of the best teams we’ve had in my time here.”

Maxey, who took a leap of faith and waited, has found a home in Philadelphia. “I realized what the end goal was,” he said. “Sometimes you have to realize that.”

Paul George, who averaged 20.8 points in his 14-year career, left the Clippers after declining a player option on his $48.8 million contract through the 2024-25 season. George chose Philadelphia because he felt the team was a good fit for his game and stage of his career. Financially, the 76ers’ offer of $60 million more than the Clippers was a significant factor.

Despite previous comments about his preference to remain in Los Angeles, George expressed no ill will toward the Clippers, thanking them for the opportunity to chase a championship.

George now joins Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey to form a formidable trio in Philadelphia. “Joel was secretly one of my closest friends at the All-Star Game,” George said. “It seemed inevitable that we would become teammates.”

The 76ers have had a long run to the championship. The franchise hasn’t advanced beyond the second round of the playoffs since 2001 and hasn’t won a title since 1983.

George, who has yet to win an NBA title, knows the goal in Philadelphia is clear: “Obviously, win,” he said, adding with humor, “and get past the second round.”

In addition to George, the 76ers bolstered their roster with veterans Kyle Lowry and Kelly Oubre Jr. and new additions Andre Drummond, Caleb Martin, KJ Martin and draft picks Jared McCain and Adem Bona.

Head coach Nick Nurse is optimistic but cautious. “Most of my ideas are penciled in,” Nurse said. “We’re going to experiment and try a lot of different things.”