The 76ers and Knicks are Breaking the Bank to Compete for a Finals

The Philadelphia 76ers sent seismic waves through the entire NBA, let alone the Eastern Conference when they signed free agent Paul George to a massive $212 million deal and extended Tyreese Maxy to a five-year $205 million contract. That's $417 million in two stand-out stars, who plan to team up with Joel Embiid.

Suddenly the Sixers are making a loud statement directed right at Boston and New York, just days after the Knicks' expensive trade for Mikal Bridges and re-upping with OG Anunoby.

SIXERS POWER PLAY

The power in the East has certainly shifted to three teams, with three clear front runners: the defending Champion Boston Celtics, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the New York Knicks. Talk about heating up the rivalry up and down I-95! It’s expected to be a battle all season long for the top seed in the Eastern Conference. 

The 76ers are heading into the rest of the offseason with arguably the best roster construction they have been able to put together in recent years. The team needed a wing defender who could also create his shot on offense.

Adding Paul George does just that. George has been a fringe superstar in the league for many years and by pairing him with an elite guard, Tyrese Maxey who also just got a five-year extension, along with a recent MVP center in his prime, this team has its best chance it has ever had to win a championship heading into the 2024-2025 season.

The 76ers also added Eric Gordon and were able to resign Kelly Oubre who was a big part of the team this past year. If the 76ers can figure out a way to fill out their bench they have as good of a chance as anyone to win the NBA Finals this year.

KNICKS TRYING TO KEEP PACE

The New York Knicks have a serious chance to compete in the Eastern Conference this year, and if they can find a way to add a top-of-the-line center they can easily turn themselves into the favorites in the East.

The first name that comes to mind is Nikola Vucevic.

Vucevic can easily become the difference make in a Knicks lineup that desperately needs an offensive-minded, rebounding big man. If they can figure out how to address that last and final need, they are supposed to have the chemistry and should be able to battle the Celtics and 76ers atop the Eastern Conference. 

Both the Knicks and the 76ers have addressed major needs and positioned themselves to compete with the Celtics in the East. Knick fans are excited about the potential to compete for a title this year, and for the first time with confidence, they can enjoy an offseason knowing they’re an elite team. Whether that confidence is going to last once the season starts will be proven early on.

Sixers fans are excited about the addition of George, and the extension of Maxey. Having Embiid, and Maxey leading the way for potentially years to come, there is a lot to be excited about for 76ers fans, in the now with Paul George and in the long term with their young studs. 

MORE KNICKS

There is nothing better than celebrating the 4th of July In New Jersey — one of the proudest parts of America! Attached is a growing list of Independence Day celebrations across the Garden State, starting in late June, and going as far as July 6th.

Starting at 6:00, this kicks off at the front lawn of Montgomery High School on route 601. Those who get there early can enjoy food trucks, live music, as well as games and activities for the kids. 

The annual fireworks display will be held at Rider University. The festivities start at 6:00 p.m., and the family can enjoy live bands, food trucks, and children's entertainment. Expect a longer night because the fireworks will start around 9:30 p.m.

Located at Veterans Park, Hamilton Township is hosting its Independence Day event starting at 6:00 p.m. Live entertainment and food will be on site. Fireworks are expected to begin at 9:30 p.m. 

Aberdeen's annual Independence Day Celebration is going to be its "biggest year yet!", according to the township. This will be held at Veterans Memorial Park starting at 5:00 p.m. Fireworks are expected to go off at 9:00 p.m.
*RAIN DATE JULY 8th*

Celebrate the 4th Of July at Union Beach at the beachfront. Fireworks begin when it gets dark. 
*RAIN DATE JULY 5th*

From 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., everyone gathers at the Freehold Raceway to enjoy the fireworks show! Lawn chairs are RECOMMENDED! 

The annual Asbury Park Independence Day celebration! View the fireworks from the Second and Fourth Avenue beaches starting at 9:00 p.m.
*RAIN DATE JULY 5th*

Celebrate the birth of our nation at Keansburg Amusement Park & Runaway Rapids' "BIGGEST show ever"! Spend the day at the park and cap it off with a beautiful fireworks display. *FREE ENTRY*

This fireworks display will be at Alvin P. Williams Park! Gates open at 4:00 p.m., and there will be live music, vendors, food trucks, and more. Be sure to bring lawn chairs and blankets. 
*RAIN DATE JULY 5th*

East Brunswick's 4th Of July celebration is going to be held at the Community Arts Center on Cranbury Road. There will be children's games, food vendors, and an appearance from the East Brunswick Symphony Orchestra! Parking for the event will be available at the arts center using the entrance/exit ramp roadside.  Doors open at 6:00 p.m.. More parking information can be found here. 

*RAIN DATE JULY 5th*

OCEANFEST - "The Biggest Independence Day celebration anywhere in New Jersey"! 

The event starts at 1:00 p.m. and goes all the way to 10:00 p.m. Firworks are expected to go off at 9:00 p.m.

Another large-scale 4th of July celebration, this event kicks off at 6:00 IN THE MORNING. Fishing, fun runs, food, parades, beer gardens, and so much more are happening here. Fire works are expected to launch at 9:30 p.m. 

For more information on the day's festivities, click HERE

Atlantic Highlands will be having its fireworks display at the Marina, starting at 9:45 p.m. Perfect night for watching from the boat.
*RAIN DATE JULY 6th* 

Starting promptly at 8:30 p.m., this can't miss fireworks display is best observed from the grass in fron of Silver Lake on Ocean Avenue. IT CANNOT BE SEEN FROM THE BEACH