4. Paul George, Philadelphia’s 2024 summer [not-so] pipe dream

At this juncture, the Paul George sweepstakes could boil down to just two teams: the LA Clippers and the Philadelphia 76ers. While the former is still justifiably considered as the favorite to retain the All-Star, their growing payroll and lack of playoff success to show for it could force them to start a more conservative approach to team-building, if not soft launch an impending rebuild.

The 76ers have the pecuniary ammo, on-court need, and win-now allure that could lure George into leaving Hollywood. Joel Embiid, for all his injury concerns, is still a more durable leader than the ever-absent Kawhi Leonard, and Tyrese Maxey inspires more confidence than a declining James Harden.

Few Big Threes in the NBA can match and size up with a hypothetical Embiid-Maxey-George trio. After all, while already 34, George remains an inarguable two-way force who can take over games with his shot creation, burn opponents as a high-volume, spot-up option, and capably defend the opponent’s best player.

5. High-flyer Derrick Jones Jr. could thrive in the 76ers lair

The Dallas Mavericks are poised to make their second Conference Finals appearance in three years, thanks in large part to their much-improved team defense to balance out the nightly offensive explosions from the lethal 1-2 punch in Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

One player who’s helped the Mavericks have a more balanced attack this season is high-flyer Derrick Jones Jr., who’s been starting games for Dallas as one of their designated stoppers. The 27-year-old, formerly just a highlight reel darling, has definitely grown into a real on-court asset for his team.

Philadelphia, which is unlikely to retain Robert Covington, needs someone of the same ilk to assume the role of multi-positional defender next season. Jones, with his athleticism and lankiness, has become a highly effective stopper who can now hit the occasional three in addition to his trademark contribution to the team’s vertical spacing.

6. Josh Okogie will be one of the best under-the-radar defenders available

The Phoenix Suns definitely turned in quite the memorable season for themselves. After forming a vaunted Big Three filled with three of the most lethal individual scorers in the NBA, the Timberwolves’ stingy defense ensured that their star-studded team will be an early bird in the loser’s lane, sending them packing int he first-round via a clean sweep.

Heck, the Suns are already on the verge of hitting the panic button, with whispers of Kevin Durant not being happy already commencing. That being said, a roster turnover will definitely be on the works, especially on the margins where Phoenix simply looked too shallow to be a consistent threat.

Enter Josh Okogie, who somehow fell out of former coach Frank Vogel’s favor despite a great start to the season as their designated backcourt defender. Okogie is someone the 76ers could really have a use for as he could fill in the defensive hole that could be left by the potentially outgoing De’Anthony Melton for only a fraction of his price tag.

7. D’Angelo Russell’s icy veins could gush harder with the 76ers

Fresh off an early playoff exit, the ever-unsatisfied Los Angeles Lakers will definitely remain on the hunt for a third star this season despite not really needing one. That’s just how LA works, especially with LeBron James starting to pressure the front office with his son already entering the draft.

According to recent reports, the Lakers are considering tendering D’Angelo Russell a big, short-term contract with the prime motive of smoothening the edges to make trading him much easier. However, Russell’s camp could — and should — prefer a lengthier deal that can give him more stability after years of being in the rumor mill.

As a Plan B, Philadelphia could see Russell as a worthwhile gamble in their quest to give Maxey an ideal running mate. The former All-Star turned in a successful season as LA’s third option, and even though the consensus isn’t high on his ceiling as a winning player, the numbers tell a different story.

8. Grand Theft Alvarado could make Philadelphia his new robbery spot

New Orleans was one of the biggest what-ifs this season. They entered the playoffs with Zion Williamson hobbled once again and save for a commendable Game 1 performance, the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder quickly put them to sleep, sweeping them in convincing fashion to the point where the front office will probably look into making big changes this offseason.

CJ McCollum and Dyson Daniels seem secure right now in the lead guard position, but the same cannot be said for Jose Alvarado, a key backup who’s had issues staying on the court since his rookie campaign.

Alvarado, however, could be a bargain candidate. Since his injury history could dampen his price tag, the 76ers could actually be one of the teams that make the most sense for the 26-year-old. While undersized, Alvarado is a notably sneaky and pesky defender who thrives in the open court, bomb away from long distance, and set up his teammates in short spurts.