The Philadelphia 76ers – and the rest of the NBA – were shocked to their core when it was reported that the League suspended Paul George for 25 games for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy. The news broke shortly before the team took on the Pelicans on Saturday night. The decision divided many on the topic, although people around the team stood behind the former All-Star.
However, unbeknownst to many, the 76ers are now about to receive a hidden benefit in light of PG’s suspension. As detailed by ESPN’s Bobby Marks In this post, with George set to lose approximately $11.7 million as a result of the game he will miss, Philly will receive a luxury tax break equal to half that amount, or approximately $5.8 million.
As such, the 76ers’ front office can take full advantage of this sudden cap-related wiggle room to make some necessary moves between now and George’s return. And with the trade deadline approaching in just a few days, the ways they can improve the roster will only become even more apparent.
The 76ers receive a hidden benefit from Paul George’s suspension
One of the biggest benefits of this financial compensation is the fact that the 76ers will now have a much easier time converting Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker’s deals into standard NBA contracts. Both players, especially Barlow, have proven themselves to be easily worthy of permanent roster spots with their steady play, and it is now imperative that the front office does whatever it takes to clear the necessary space to keep them in the fold.
The 76ers have been able to avoid taxes in recent years, and while Joel Embiid is definitely not a fan of that attitude, the front office will be able to do just that this time around thanks to this sudden development.
The front office likely considered parting with one or two rotation players to sign Barlow and Walker to standard deals, but now they no longer have to resort to such a concession. That said, the 76ers still need to cut ties with someone like, say, Eric Gordon so they can clear a required roster spot.
Of course, George’s absence couldn’t have come at a worse time for the 76ers, who have been plagued by their lack of consistency. Thanks to the associated financial leeway that had suddenly dawned on them, at least a ray of hope can be taken away from this unconscionable development.
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