Insider reveals Sixers’ top free-agent target, backup plan this offseason

The Philadelphia 76ers are entering one of the most pivotal offseasons in franchise history. They’ve yet to capitalize on the presence of Joel Embiid and are coming off another deflating early playoff exit. But they are flush with cap space and roster flexibility as they look to finally figure out the equation and try to win their first title since 1983.

On Monday, The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor provided a glimpse into how Philadelphia plans to use its $55.5M in projected practical cap space this offseason, the second-most among teams.

According to O’Connor, Philadelphia has “a real chance of signing” Clippers star Paul George this summer to form a “Big Three” with 2023 MVP Embiid and All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey. George played in 74 games this season, his most appearances since 2018-19, averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists while shooting 47.1% from the floor and 41.3% from beyond the arc.

George and the Clippers have been discussing a contract extension for some time. However, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer recently reported that Los Angeles is “unwilling to offer George more than the three-year, $152.3 million extension it gave to Kawhi Leonard,” which could lead to the nine-time All-Star’s departure in free agency.

Despite the fact that George is 34 and would likely command a max contract from Philadelphia, there’s no denying his two-way capabilities would make him an ideal fit alongside Embiid and Maxey. Philadelphia wouldn’t have much leverage in negotiations, but it cannot afford to continue wasting the prime of Embiid’s career.

If the Sixers strike out in a potential George pursuit, they should have a number of alternative options to target. However, despite rumors of Philadelphia eyeing stars like LeBron James, DeMar DeRozan and OG Anunoby, O’Connor adds that New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram would be its “primary fallback plan.”

“Aside from the pipe dream that Kevin Durant or Jimmy Butler would ask to be dealt directly to Philly, sources familiar with the Sixers’ thinking say that Brandon Ingram is the primary fallback plan,” O’Connor wrote. “Ingram would have to be acquired in a trade from the New Orleans Pelicans since he’s under contract for $36 million with a 15 percent trade kicker through the 2024-25 season.”

Ingram, a one-time All-Star, is expected to be on the move this offseason following another disappointing and injury-plagued season in New Orleans. The 26-year-old’s struggles were heightened during the Pelicans’ first-round playoff loss to Oklahoma City, during which he averaged 14.3 points while shooting 34.5% from the field and 25% from three-point range.

Additionally, Ingram and Pelicans HC Willie Green “had a minor exchange” in the locker room during the team’s Game 2 loss to the Thunder, per The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

While Ingram wouldn’t be an ideal fit due to his injury concerns and inconsistent play, he’s only under contract for next season, so Philadelphia wouldn’t be mortgaging its future if it acquired him.

Even so, Philadelphia might be better off bolstering its bench with the $36M it would have to pay Ingram next season.