Sixers Could Target Paul George, Kawhi Leonard During Offseason

Sixers coach Brett Brown said on Friday that his team needed to bring in another high-level free agent to help the Sixers compete and win a championship.

According to Keith Pompey of Philly.com, the Philadelphia 76ers are expected to be among the teams that will make a play for Oklahoma City free agent forward Paul George.

Pompey writes:

"Oklahoma City small forward Paul George is another free agent the Sixers have interest in, according to folks around the league. He would be a great fit because of his ability to shoot the ball and defend."

"They have around $25-million available to go out and secure someone," Pompey said as a guest of the Sports Bash on Friday. "That's the kind of money that LeBron James or Paul George - the type of players who could immediately come in and help."

ESPN NBA front office insider Bobby Marks, a former assistant general manager with the Nets organization, joined the Sports Bash on Friday and said he think George would be the perfect fit for the Sixers.

"The obvious player that would make the most sense is Paul George,"  Marks said on the Sports Bash.  "That would be the player there."

"That would be the guy that I would zero in on, besides LeBron, but I think Paul would fit perfectly there and it wouldn't cost you anything.  You could put at the three, one of the best defenders in the NBA, have Covington come off the bench, without a lot of different lineups there."

Another name to keep an eye on per Pompey, citing sources, is Spurs star Kawhi Leonard, who they would have acquire through a trade.

"Don’t be surprised if they also try to acquire San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard in a trade," Pompey wrote. "Sources have said the Sixers have expressed interest in the two-time all-star."

While Sixers coach Brett Brown has a strong relationship with Leonard, the Spurs would have to be willing to move Leonard, but there would be some risk involved.  First, the Sixers would have to give away major assets to acquire Leonard in a trade.  Secondly, he can opt out next summer, and there is no guarantee that he will sign an extension after one year with the Sixers.