With the moratorium now lifted, the Philadelphia 76ers have formally signed Paul George off the free agent market, cementing what’s now arguably probably the most gifted Large Three within the NBA as he joins a workforce spearheaded by the 2023 Most Precious Participant in Joel Embiid and final season’s Most Improved Participant in Tyrese Maxey.
George, 34, has signed a four-year, $211.58 million max cope with the 76ers. Philadelphia could be his fourth cease in his 14-year profession, which incorporates prolonged stints in Indiana and Los Angeles, and a quick run in Oklahoma Metropolis.
After formally signing with the workforce, George was fast to deliver the fireworks, making a giant swap that ought to get followers all sentimental and thrilled.
George revealed on Sunday that he’s switching his jersey quantity and shall be donning No. 8 subsequent season. He has worn No. 13 since his fourth yr within the league and entered the league bearing No. 24 with the Pacers.
Nonetheless, the 76ers have already retired No. 13 for Wilt Chamberlain and No. 24 for Bobby Jones, prompting George to discover a new signature quantity. He determined with No. 8, a quantity carefully related to the late nice Kobe Bryant, who has lengthy been his idol.
It have to be famous that Bryant wore No. 8 in his first 10 years within the NBA earlier than an enormous swap to No. 24, additionally one other trademark of his.
Many have forgotten by now, however George initially modified from No. 24 to No. 13 earlier than his freak damage in 2014 for poetic causes, citing that the nickname PG-13 “had a pleasant ring to it”.
76ers followers ought to be capable of cop new Paul George merchandise quickly, permitting them to get dibs on what could be the nine-time All-Star’s first look placing on the No. 8 in the back of his new Philadelphia package.