### 76ers’ Free Agency Pursuits
The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly gearing up to aggressively pursue star free agents Paul George and OG Anunoby, with a notable fallback option in mind: two-time All-Star Zach LaVine.
### Key Players and Cap Space
The 76ers already boast 2023 NBA MVP Joel Embiid and rising star Tyrese Maxey on their roster. Entering the offseason with the second most available cap space in the league — $55.5 million — President Daryl Morey is well-positioned to target another game-changing talent.
### Top Targets: Paul George and OG Anunoby
Rumors have circulated in recent weeks that the 76ers’ top target in free agency is nine-time All-Star Paul George. Additionally, they have shown interest in talented 3-and-D specialist OG Anunoby. However, reports indicate that both George and Anunoby might return to their current teams, the Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors, respectively.
### Backup Plan: Zach LaVine
If the 76ers fail to land George or Anunoby, they might turn their attention to Zach LaVine. According to Yahoo Sports NBA insider Jake Fisher, LaVine is considered a backup option and not the team’s primary target for their substantial cap space.
“LaVine remains merely a backup option for the Sixers, sources said, but not a player whom Philadelphia truly covets with the team’s ocean of cap space,” Fisher wrote.
### Financial Implications
Adding LaVine would consume a significant portion of the 76ers’ cap space, carving out $45 million from the available $55 million. Deals for George or Anunoby would likely be for a similar maximum amount. However, both George and Anunoby are perceived to offer better short or long-term upside than the 29-year-old LaVine.
### Conclusion
As the 76ers navigate the offseason, their primary focus remains on securing top-tier talents like Paul George or OG Anunoby. However, with the financial flexibility they possess, even fallback options like Zach LaVine could provide the necessary boost to support their championship aspirations.
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