Reported Paul George-to-76ers deal likely means one fewer Klay Thompson suitor – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

It appears Klay Thompson’s list of potential destinations is down one team.

The Philadelphia 76ers were one of four teams — including the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks — that initially planned to have discussions with Thompson when the NBA free agency negotiating window opened Sunday at 3 p.m. PT, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported, citing sources.

However, that news came before the 76ers reportedly agreed to sign star forward Paul George to a four-year, $212 million max contract Monday morning, likely eliminating them from the Thompson sweepstakes.

After adding George, agreeing to a reported five-year, $204 million contract extension with star guard Tyrese Maxey, and making a handful of other reported deals, Philadelphia now sits just $13.1 million below the first luxury-tax apron and $23.9 million under the second apron, according to Spotrac.

This means the 76ers likely cannot afford Thompson, who reportedly is seeking a three-year contract that exceeds $50 million. Philadelphia currently has just eight players under contract for the 2024-25 NBA season, which means it still has more moves left to round out its 15-player roster.

Committing $15 million or more annually to Thompson doesn’t seem likely.

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