Klay Thompson heading to Mavs; George joining 76ers


Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors celebrates a three point shot during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on February 15, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.  (Getty Images via AFP)

NEW YORK – Paul George is joining the Philadelphia 76ers and Klay Thompson is heading to the Dallas Mavericks, multiple US reports said Monday as NBA free-agency got into full swing.

Thompson is widely regarded as one of the greatest shooters in basketball history, forming a potent back-court partnership alongside Stephen Curry and featuring prominently in the Warriors’ NBA championship-winning seasons in 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2022.

Thompson, whose exit from the Golden State Warriors was confirmed on Sunday, has agreed terms on a three-year $50 million contract with Dallas, ESPN reported.

Nine-time All-Star George is joining the Sixers on a four-year deal worth $212 million while

The two deals bolster the Sixers’ and Mavs’ championship aspirations, with George set to form a big three alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, and Thompson linking up with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in Dallas.

George, 34, has averaged 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 steals a game over 867 career contests in 14 seasons for Indiana, Oklahoma City and the Los Angeles Clippers, who he left behind last weekend after five seasons.

NBA clubs have a signing moratorium on finalizing all contracts until Saturday, so it’s left to media reports to chart the moves that cannot yet become official.

George’s coming to terms was reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer, The Athletic and ESPN through unnamed sources.

The 76ers have not advanced beyond the Eastern Conference semi-finals since 2001 but might have their best chance with George joining All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey and Cameroonian star center Embiid, the 2023 NBA Most Valuable Player.

Multiple reports on Monday also had Maxey signing a five-year maximum contract extension worth $204 million. Maxey averaged 25.9 points and 6.2 assists for the Sixers last season.

George declined a $48.8 million deal for next season with the Clippers to test his value on the free agency market.

The 76ers also reportedly have struck a two-year deal worth just over $10 million with center Andre Drummond, a 12-year NBA veteran and five-seasons league rebounding leader.

Tobias Harris, a forward who played the past six seasons in Philadelphia, is reportedly off to the Detroit Pistons on a two-year deal worth $52 million.



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Center Isaiah Hartenstein, according to multiple reports, will leave New York for a three-year deal worth $87 million with the Oklahoma City Thunder, who also reportedly struck deals with reserves Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe.

Maicah Larroza has added motivation heading into PVL Draft


PVL Draft aspirant Maicah Larroza from La Salle during the Draft Combine. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Maicah Larroza has some extra motivation heading into the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft with her La Salle teammates Thea Gagate, Leila Cruz, and Julia Coronel among this year’s top prospects.

Gagate is set to be ZUS Coffee’s choice for the No.1 pick and Cruz and Coronel are expected to be picked, but Larroza is not taking it as a source of additional pressure, but rather as motivation.

“Of course, added motivation because they’re my teammates, I also want to play at their level,” said the versatile aspirant, who enjoyed with her batchmates in the two-day Draft Combine at GameVille Ball Park. 

LIST: Applicants for the first ever PVL Rookie Draft

“I really enjoyed this PVL Draft Combine, especially knowing that some of the players I used to compete against were there. I felt very comfortable and the process went smoothly for me.”

Larroza, a substitute wing spiker in her playing years for La Salle, is bringing all the things she learned from coach Ramil De Jesus, who fully supported their decision to enter the PVL draft.

“Coach Ramil always teaches us about discipline, determination, hard work, and perseverance. He encourages us to explore constantly and reminds us to enjoy the things we love,” she said.

READ: PVL: Petro Gazz looking at best available players in the draft

“I told my coach, ‘, I’m going to enter the draft,’ while I was still wearing my toga. We attended the thanksgiving event to say goodbye properly, and we parted ways on good terms.”

Now that she’s moving on to a new chapter of her career, Larroza offers her versatility as she can play on both ends as spiker and libero. 

“It depends on the team that picks me whether I play as an outside hitter or libero. I’ll embrace any role they give me,” Larroza said. “I can offer my teammates the assurance that they can rely on me every time I step onto the court, whether leading the offense or defense.”



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