76ers' Stance on Potential Paul George Trade Revealed

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Orlando Silva | Last updated May 21, 2025 12:51 PM ET

The Philadelphia 76ers finished another disappointing season after posting a 24-58 record in the 2024-25 campaign. Despite adding Paul George to their star duo of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, the guard was oftentimes the only star available for Nick Nurse's team.

Added to Embiid's recurrent injury issues, George also missed some time due to health issues. Additionally, he was criticized for his low level during his first year with the Sixers.

The 35-year-old posted 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.8 steals per game, shooting 43% from the field, 35.8% from deep and 81.4% from the free-throw line. He dropped from the 22.6 points per game, 47.1% from the floor, 41.3% from beyond the arc and 90.7% from the free-throw line he averaged during his final season with the Los Angeles Clippers.

George left the Clips after five years and reportedly signed a four-year, $211.5 million deal in the 2024 offseason. His poor performances raised eyebrows among fans and sparked speculation about his time with the team.

On Monday, draft analyst Jonathan Givony reported that the Sixers could offer George and the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft to try to land Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns or Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz.

Insider Jake Fischer of "The Stein Line" rejected the idea that Philadelphia is entertaining the prospect of parting ways with George unless the player himself asks for it (via "NBA Central" on X).

“Don't expect that duo, furthermore, to be broken up. Sources say that recent reports suggesting that the Sixers will be looking to explore George's trade market in conjunction with the draft are a misread..

"It has been whispered often in league circles, going back to Philadelphia's free agency courtship of George last summer, that the Sixers would not turn around and try to move their marquee acquisition in the early stages of his Philly tenure unless George asked for a deal himself.”

It's unclear if another team would be interested in absorbing such a hefty contract in the offseason. The Sixers haven't unlocked their potential and Embiid's injury issues don't seem to be getting any better.

This offseason could bring many changes to the franchise, but time will tell how it all ends for them.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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