NBA Rumors: Lakers’ LeBron James, Knicks’ OG Anunoby Eyed by 76ers in Free Agency

The Philadelphia 76ers reportedly have their eyes on some of the biggest stars in the league this summer.

Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported Sunday that the 76ers “are looking at potential free agents like the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James and New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby.”

He also linked Philadelphia to Paul George in free agency and suggested Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat, Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls and Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans could also be potential trade targets.

George seems to be the first option, as Pompey noted the team’s “desire” to add the nine-time All-Star is “well-known.” What’s more, Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer called the pursuit of George the 76ers’ “Plan A in free agency.”

Both of them also noted the Los Angeles Clippers have been unwilling to offer the veteran more than the three-year, $152.3 million extension they previously gave Kawhi Leonard, so Philadelphia may have the opportunity to beat that with a four-year, $212 million contract.

George also figures to play well alongside Joel Embiid, as he connected on 41.3 percent of his three-pointers last season and could take advantage of the spacing created by double teams on the blocks.

Yet a name like James, even as a backup option, is always going to draw attention.

There may be something of an adjustment period for Embiid and Tyrese Maxey if the King signed in Philadelphia, as he is still a ball-dominant playmaker even at this stage of his career. But he is also an excellent passer and would surely thrive alongside the star big man much like he has with Anthony Davis on the Los Angeles Lakers.

As for Anunoby, adding him would be ideal in two ways for the 76ers.

Not only would it give them someone who impacts the game on both ends, it would also be a blow for a fellow Eastern Conference contender in the New York Knicks. New York was not the same team without Anunoby when he suffered a hamstring injury during its second-round loss to the Indiana Pacers and would need to scramble to replace his production if he left.

LaVine, Ingram or Butler, who previously played in Philadelphia, would also all fit the bill as a third star alongside Embiid and Maxey for a team looking to finally take the next step as a true contender.

The 76ers haven’t made it past the second round of the playoffs since the 2000-01 season, and Embiid is 30 years old at this point. It needs to be sooner rather than later if they are ever going to win a title with the big man, which makes this offseason all the more important.

And the list of names they have been connected to would suggest the front office understands the level of urgency in place.