Less than a full year after signing him, the Philadelphia 76ers are just about ready to move on from Paul George once and for all. According to NBA insider Sam Amico, the franchise will be looking for a new home for George after another disappointing season.
“The Philadelphia 76ers will try to trade small forward Paul George this summer,” an NBA source told Hoops Wire. “Some members of the Sixers wanted George traded at the NBA trade deadline.”
Unlike the Mavericks and Lakers, who made major changes at the deadline, the 76ers stayed the same despite a failing season. Now, at 13th in the East (22-43), it seems fans and the team executives agree that changes must be made. While this season may be lost, they will have a chance to rebuild in the summer and make amends for their mistakes.
After the ascension of Joel Embiid into a full-fledged superstar, the 76ers committed everything to building a team around him that could compete for a title. Since taking the job as GM of the team, Daryl Morey has cycled through various co-stars (Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler, James Harden) in an attempt to make it work – but it has only led to ruin.
Last summer, he signed Paul George as Embiid’s latest partner, but the results have been less than ideal. In 41 games this season, George is averaging 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game on 43.0% shooting for the 76ers.
This season, George has been playing like a role player but is paid like a premium superstar. He was supposed to be a reliable option to keep the team afloat without Joel Embiid, but instead, he’s been one of their biggest problems all season long. To make the situation even worse, George is currently on the first year of a four-year, $212 million contract which includes a $56.5 million player option for the 2027-28 season.
At 34 years old and coming off his worst season in a decade, the question remains: which team would even trade for Paul George knowing the full scope of his flaws and massive NBA contract?
After failed stints with the Pacers, Thunder, Clippers, and 76ers, there is significant doubt that Paul George (at this stage of his career) can play a meaningful role on a championship team.
Still, there are a few teams reported to have some interest, including the Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors. If George can accept a more minor role on those rosters, it could be the key to turning his current trajectory around.
Alongside Trae Young and the Hawks, George could thrive as a three-and-D shooter on the wing with a co-star who has much greater playmaking potential.
In Golden State, George could add another layer of depth in the backcourt and act as a mimic to Klay Thompson on the perimeter. While he’s not nearly as consistent of a shooter, George would be playing with very little pressure as the third option under Steph and Jimmy Butler.
If not, the 76ers may be stuck with Paul George for the time being, which means they have no choice but to run it back with the same trio of stars. Unless the 76ers trade Joel Embiid or Tyrese Maxey, there won’t be an easy route to shake up the roster in a meaningful way.
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