3 Winners from NBA free agency: Blazers' path to playoffs gets harder

Winner No. 2: Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers made the headliner free agency splash by signing nine-time NBA All-Star Paul George to a four-year, $212 million deal. He's the exact type of player Philadelphia needed to complement Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey as an elite secondary playmaker and floor spacer.

Philadelphia didn't appear to be George's first option. On "Podcast P with Paul George," he says he didn't want to leave Los Angeles but ultimately felt it was in his best interest after contract negotiations went astray, calling the Clippers' offer "disrespectful." George also mentions that the Golden State Warriors were another team that could have acquired George through a sign-and-trade, but the Clippers weren't willing to help out a divisional rival.

An underrated addition is Caleb Martin, who Philadelphia poached from the Miami Heat. The 76ers signed Martin to a four-year, $32 million deal, reportedly much less than what Miami offered ($65 million over the next five seasons). Eric Gordon is another notable addition who should help bolster their roster with his shooting and veteran leadership.

They lost several pieces, including Tobias Harris, De'Anthony Melton, Buddy Hield, and Nic Batum, but they still have time to address their lack of depth before next season's trade deadline. The 76ers have positioned themselves to compete with the other elite teams in the East if they stay healthy.