With the Philadelphia 76ers enduring a disappointing season marred by injuries to both Paul George and Joel Embiid, major changes could be on the horizon. George, who was expected to be the missing piece alongside Embiid, hasn’t been able to stay on the floor consistently and has been below par when he has played (16.2 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.3 APG on 35.8% 3-PT FG). Not to mention, the team’s poor record (22-44) could push them toward a significant retooling this summer.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks (32-35) remain in a state of uncertainty regarding Trae Young’s long-term future, but instead of blowing things up, they could shift gears and build a stronger supporting cast around him, Dyson Daniels, and Jalen Johnson in 2025-26.
This three-team blockbuster also involves the Golden State Warriors (38-28), who are looking like true contenders again after acquiring Jimmy Butler. However, one area they still need to address is their center position—bringing in an athletic, defensive-minded big man could put them over the top. Failure in this season’s playoffs might mean the Warriors need to make some changes heading into next year as Stephen Curry is 37 years old and counting.
With all three franchises having something to gain, this deal shakes up the NBA landscape in a major way this summer. Let’s break down why this trade works for each team.
Proposed Trade Details
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Paul George, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Brandin Podziemski
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Terance Mann, Caris LeVert, 2030 First-Round Pick (ATL), 2031 First-Round Pick (GSW)
Golden State Warriors Receive: Onyeka Okongwu
Golden State Warriors Finally Acquire Their New Starting Center
The Warriors have looked strong since acquiring Jimmy Butler, but there’s still one glaring hole in their lineup—an athletic, rim-protecting center who can anchor the paint. Enter Onyeka Okongwu, a proven rebounder and shot-blocker who immediately gives Golden State a much-needed defensive presence.
While Trayce Jackson-Davis has shown flashes of potential, the Warriors need a reliable and athletic big man for a deep playoff run. Okongwu, who’s averaging 12.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game this season, is a major upgrade in that department.
With Butler, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green leading the offense, Okongwu won’t be asked to do much scoring—his job will be to set hard screens, clean up the glass, and provide vertical spacing in the pick-and-roll with Curry.
That’s exactly what Golden State needs to compete against Western Conference giants like OKC and Denver next season, both of whom have elite frontcourt talent. Add in Jonathan Kuminga’s continued development and Draymond Green’s defensive versatility, and the Warriors look like a fully balanced contender.
Giving up Podziemski and Jackson-Davis stings, as both have been promising young pieces, but for a team in win-now mode, this is the right move. Golden State is in the twilight of the Curry era, and every roster decision needs to maximize their championship window. A more dominant interior presence could be the final ingredient in chasing another title.
Philadelphia 76ers Get Rid of Paul George to Rebuild
Paul George’s arrival in Philadelphia was supposed to make the 76ers a powerhouse, but things have gone completely sideways. Injuries have kept George (41 games played) and Joel Embiid (18 games played) off the floor for large portions of the season, and the team has plummeted in the standings as a result.
With their record well below .500 and fading fast in the East, it’s clear that a shake-up is necessary before next season. Rather than doubling down on an aging, injury-prone core, Philadelphia wisely cashes in on the nearly 35-year-old George while they can.
In return, they get Terance Mann, Caris LeVert, and two future first-round picks, which gives them a mix of short-term contributors and long-term assets. Mann is a versatile defender who can fit next to Tyrese Maxey, while LeVert provides instant offense off the bench.
The bigger prize, however, is the two first-round picks from Atlanta and Golden State, which will be critical if the Sixers decide to retool around Maxey and a hopefully healthy Embiid next season.
Philadelphia’s focus now shifts to getting Embiid back to full strength and determining whether they want to make another run with him or start preparing for life without their superstar big man.
While parting with George means sacrificing their championship aspirations for this season, it’s a necessary move to reset the franchise and avoid getting stuck in NBA purgatory—good enough to make the playoffs but never truly a title contender.
Atlanta Hawks Start Competing With Deeper Roster Around Trae Young
The Hawks have been teetering on the edge of irrelevance, but this trade signals they’re still in win-now mode. Instead of blowing things up and trading Trae Young, Atlanta reloads with Paul George—a two-way star who instantly changes the team’s ceiling.
Pairing George with Young and Jalen Johnson gives Atlanta a formidable core, with George’s perimeter defense helping offset some of Young’s limitations. If George stays healthy, this move will make the Hawks a serious factor in the Eastern Conference again.
Atlanta also adds Trayce Jackson-Davis, an intriguing young big man who has flashed impressive defensive instincts and rebounding ability in limited minutes for the Warriors. While Capela was a steady presence in the middle, Jackson-Davis gives the Hawks a younger, more versatile option who fits their timeline.
Add in Dyson Daniels’ defensive versatility (14.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 4.1 APG, 3.0 SPG), and suddenly Atlanta looks like a far more balanced team than they did a few months ago. This deal also allows the Hawks to hedge their bets—if things don’t work out with George, they still have assets and flexibility to pivot.
But if George plays like the All-NBA talent he’s capable of being, this move could reignite their playoff hopes and convince Young to stay in Atlanta long-term. The Hawks desperately needed a move to shake up their trajectory, and landing a player of George’s caliber is a strong step in the right direction.
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