One of the most well-pronounced narratives heading into the offseason has been the multitudes of ways the Philadelphia 76ers can fish for their next big star to plant next to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Armed with a pretty robust cap space and some desirable assets of their own, the team is widely expected to be a controlling player this summer.

Someone they have been constantly linked to is All-Star forward Paul George, who is yet to commit to the Clippers long-term. In fact, it seems like LA is starting to show inhibitions about keeping him for such a lucrative price, making a departure appear like more than just a mere hypothetical at this juncture.

Rival team rumored to possibly leapfrog the 76ers for Paul George

Hold your horses, though. According to the latest spill by the ever-active rumor mill, the 76ers may not be considered the runaway favorites to sign George should he fail to come to terms with the Clippers on a new deal.

According to veteran insider Marc Stein on his Substack (subscription required), the Orlando Magic are pretty much still in play for George in what’s expected to be a very pricey sweepstakes.

From their reported posturing, the Magic seem hellbent on propping themselves up for potential contention by adding proven na high-end veterans to one of the youngest rosters in the league. Orlando certainly has the financial ammo to make the signing work, and they also have an opening for a player of George’s archetype.

The 76ers still present a more compelling case for him as a free agency destination, as Embiid and Maxey have championship potential as a duo. Philadelphia inarguably provides him a more proximate way to a title, and even better, their front office has been repeatedly pegged to be willing to tender him a max offer.

At this point in time, Paul George remaining with the Clippers still makes too much sense to simply gloss over as an alternative. However, should both sides continue their war of attrition, the Philadelphia 76ers should pounce on the first opportunity, especially with the Orlando Magic now seemingly on their heels.