Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors celebrates a three point shot during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center on February 15, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Getty Images via AFP)
NEW YORK — Paul George is joining the Philadelphia 76ers and Klay Thompson is moving to the Dallas Mavericks, multiple US reports said on Monday as NBA free-agency gets into full swing.
Thompson is considered one of the greatest shooters in basketball history, forming a potent back-court partnership with Stephen Curry and featuring prominently in the Warriors' NBA championship-winning seasons in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022.
Thompson, whose exit from the Golden State Warriors was confirmed Sunday, has agreed to a three-year, $50 million contract with Dallas, ESPN reports.
George, a nine-time All-Star, is joining the Sixers on a four-year deal worth $212 million, while
Both of these deals would boost the Sixers and Mavs’ championship aspirations, with George joining Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in a Big Three and Thompson joining Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in Dallas.
George, 34, averaged 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 steals in 867 contests over 14 seasons for Indiana, Oklahoma City and the Los Angeles Clippers, whom he left last weekend after five seasons.
NBA clubs have put all contracts on hold until Saturday, so it's left to media reports to determine moves that can't yet become official.
George's agreement was reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer, The Athletic and ESPN via unnamed sources.
The 76ers haven't advanced past the Eastern Conference semifinals since 2001, but with George joining All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey and Cameroonian star center Embiid, the 2023 NBA Most Valuable Player, they may have their best chance yet.
Multiple reports on Monday also said Maxey signed a five-year, $204 million maximum contract extension. Maxey averaged 25.9 points and 6.2 assists for the Sixers last season.
George rejected a $48.8 million deal with the Clippers for next season to test his value in the free agency market.
The 76ers have reportedly signed center Andre Drummond, a 12-year NBA veteran and five-season league rebounding leader, to a two-year deal worth more than $10 million.
Tobias Harris, who played in Philadelphia for the past six seasons, has reportedly joined the Detroit Pistons on a two-year deal worth $52 million.
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Center Isaiah Hartenstein will leave New York for a three-year, $87 million deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have also reportedly reached deals with reserves Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe, according to multiple reports.
