The Philadelphia 76ers were able to pull off the biggest move of the summer by signing star Paul George, but the front office almost missed their opportunity.
The Golden State Warriors were rumored as the other top suitor for George through a sign-and-trade, but the complications of a deal made Philadelphia the more realistic landing spot. The nine-time All-Star revealed on his latest podcast episode his thoughts on playing alongside Stephen Curry on the Warriors.
"That was a real thing that was close to being done from what I was being told about the situation. They was expressing just how much they wanted me there," George said. "They didn't know how or what package was going to be there to trade for me, and so it was very intriguing, and it was still an opportunity to stay close to home, stay on the West Coast, and it was a win-win. Ultimately, the deal didn't go through, and it just didn't happen. It would've been dope."
George also went on to share he views Curry and Joel Embiid as "unicorns," or one-of-one players, which made the decision about his preferred destination even tougher.
The Warriors are not satisfied with the four championships in the Curry era, so adding an additional star could vault them back among the title contenders. However, with free agency winding down, it seems a trade for Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen is one of the last remaining options. Meanwhile, the Sixers found their dream acquisition in George, to pair alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, in hopes of bringing home the first title to Philadelphia in more than 40 years.
