Sixers Looking to Deal George After Failed Partnership

The Philadelphia 76ers will actively pursue trade options for Paul George this summer after a disappointing first season together, according to multiple league sources. George, who signed a four-year, $212 million contract with Philadelphia last July, has failed to propel the team toward championship contention as originally hoped.

NBA sources informed Yardbarker that the 76ers’ front office has already determined they will look to move the nine-time All-Star, despite having completed less than one full season of his massive contract. The decision comes as Philadelphia languishes at 22-43, sitting in 13th place in the Eastern Conference.

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Underwhelming Performance and Injury Concerns

George’s tenure in Philadelphia has been marred by inconsistent play and health issues. The 34-year-old forward is currently sidelined with a groin injury, adding to concerns about his durability as he approaches his mid-thirties. In 52 games this season, George is averaging 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists—numbers significantly below his career averages.

His shooting percentages have also declined, with George connecting on 43.0% from the field and 35.8% from three-point range. These figures represent some of the lowest efficiency marks of his 14-year NBA career, raising questions about whether his best basketball is behind him.

“The combination of his age, injury history, and massive contract makes this a challenging situation for Philadelphia,” said an Eastern Conference executive who requested anonymity to discuss another team’s player. “They’re clearly looking at a rebuild or retool around Embiid, and George’s timeline and salary don’t align with that vision.”

Trade Interest Despite Contract Concerns

Finding a trade partner for George could prove difficult given his substantial salary. The California native is set to make $51.67 million next season and $54.13 million in 2026-27, with a player option worth $56.59 million for the 2027-28 season—when he’ll be 38 years old.

Despite these financial hurdles, there was reportedly interest in George before this year’s trade deadline. According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, both the Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors expressed interest in acquiring George in February, though no deal materialized. The Warriors ultimately pivoted to acquire Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat instead.

“Some members of the Sixers wanted George traded at the NBA trade deadline,” the source told reporters, suggesting there has been internal disagreement about his fit with the organization for some time.

Failed Experiment with Embiid

The 76ers’ grand plan of pairing George with former MVP Joel Embiid never gained traction this season. Embiid appeared in just 19 games before being shut down for the season with a left knee injury. The lack of time together prevented the duo from developing the chemistry needed to compete at the highest levels.

Philadelphia’s front office had hoped that adding George to a core of Embiid and Tyrese Maxey would create a legitimate championship contender in the Eastern Conference. Instead, the team finds itself likely to miss the playoffs entirely for the first time since the 2016-17 season.

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Potential Destinations

League sources indicate several teams might still have interest in George despite his contract and recent performance. Franchises looking for veteran wing scoring and playoff experience could view him as a potential addition, particularly if Philadelphia is willing to take back less desirable contracts or attach draft capital to facilitate a deal.

Teams mentioned as theoretical fits include the Detroit Pistons, who have cap space and a need for veteran leadership, and the Miami Heat, who have historically pursued star talent and could view George as a replacement for Butler if they move in a different direction.

“The market will be limited but not non-existent,” explained a player agent with knowledge of the situation. “There are always teams willing to take a chance on a multi-time All-Star, even if they’re past their prime. The question is what Philadelphia is willing to accept in return.”

For George, this potential trade would represent the fifth stop in his NBA journey, having previously played for the Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Los Angeles Clippers before joining Philadelphia. His career averages of 20.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists showcase the high-level production he maintained at his peak.

As the 76ers wind down a disappointing season, attention now turns to how they’ll reshape their roster around Embiid and whether they can find a suitable return for George that helps accelerate their return to contention.

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