As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, activity is increasing across the league as teams pivot to make a move. In Philadelphia, the 76ers are the latest team in active trade talks as one report claims they are in silent negotiations to send Paul George to the Utah Jazz.
“I do think it’s true that the Philadelphia 76ers are interested in trading down to No.5, potentially, if they can get off the Paul George deal,” said Andy Larson on the ‘Locked on Jazz’ podcast. “I don’t think necessarily that may not make sense for the Jazz, given how long that contract is and how iffy Paul George was. I don’t think the Jazz are going to take that offer. But I do think that’s an offer that’s been presented.”
After finishing 13th in the East this season, the 76ers get to pick third in the upcoming draft, with the chance to pick prospects like Dylan Harper or Ace Bailey. But with 31-year-old Joel Embiid still on the team, he’s not in a position to wait for the development of a young star rookie.
Instead, the 76ers may be better off trading the pick, and if they can use it to get off of Paul George’s contract, it’ll restore some of their financial flexibility and give them a way out of this dysfunctional roster.
George, 35, is set to make $161 million over the next three years, and that’s after an abysmal season, where he averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game on just 43.0% shooting. He played just 41 games for the Sixers and was highly inconsistent all season.
As a team, the 76ers struggled from opening night, and they were never able to find a game plan that worked. At 35 years old and on the decline, the 76ers are essentially stuck with George unless they attach other assets to his contract to sweeten the deal.
In this case, they could offer the No. 3 pick, and it’s the perfect opportunity for the Jazz to make a move. Without any young, potential franchise players on the team, Utah may be willing to take on George’s contract if it means moving up in the draft (they have the No. 5 pick) and getting the young prospect they want.
George would not make much of a difference in Utah’s win-loss record, but he could help make life easier for his teammates by spreading the floor with his shooting and setting the example for them as a 15-year NBA veteran.
He gets a fresh start on a team with no pressure, the Jazz get a better pick, and the 76ers gain cap flexibility that will help them build a new roster around Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. In truth, the 76ers will need a lot more than cap flexibility to help them escape their current situation.
This summer, GM Daryl Morey will have to pull off a miracle to return his team to contention, and it could take several moves before he’s satisfied with the roster. After a miserable season, Morey has seen enough to have lost faith in Paul George, and it seems he might be willing to pay something extra to move on from him for good.
