The NBA trade season is in full swing, and the Philadelphia 76ers are one of many teams expected to make major changes. Only GM Daryl Morey can say what the plan is for a pivotal offseason, but it might involve trading Paul George just one year after his big acquisition.
At 35 years old, the 76ers thought George would still have time left as an elite two-way swingman. Sadly, it seems George's decline has been swift and severe, with career-lows across the board in the 2024-25 season. In 41 games, he averaged just 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game on 43.0% shooting.
As a team, the 76ers struggled to find success, finishing 13th in the standings at 24-58. It was an all-around nightmarish campaign for the 76ers, and their options for improvement are somewhat limited this summer. The only way to make any significant changes is via the trade market, and finding a deal for Paul George could be enough to set the franchise back on track. As it stands, several teams have no doubt considered a pursuit of George, but there are four teams, in particular, that seem to be the best-suited for his arrival.
Brooklyn Nets
Proposed Trade Details
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Cam Johnson, Nic Claxton, 2025 No. 22 overall pick, 2025 No. 26 overall pick
Brooklyn Nets Receive : Paul George, 2025 No. 3 overall pick
The Nets have been on the hunt for a star ever since trading Kevin Durant years ago. With an abundance of cap space and a mountain of draft picks, it's no mystery why they are involved in virtually every trade rumor. In the case of Paul George, the Nets would not become title contenders, but they might still agree to take on his contract in exchange for a high quality role-player in Cam Johnson, an elite defensive big man in Nic Claxton, and two first-round picks this year that will help add to their growing core of young stars.
The 76ers lose a star in the deal and a top-three draft pick, but it would be worth it to add depth and versatility to the roster. With Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey set to return next season, they'll need all the help they can get bringing the Sixers back to contention. From George's perspective, he gets to start over in a high-market location (New York City), with a chance to play out the rest of his career for a team that's very much on the rise in the East. It's a trade that would be ideal for every involved party, but it remains to be seen if the Nets are willing to give up some of their most important players to take on the three years and $160 million contract left on his contract.
Denver Nuggets
Proposed Trade Details
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Michael Porter Jr., Zeke Nnaji, Dario Saric
Denver Nuggets Receive: Paul George, 2030 first-round pick
The Denver Nuggets are terrified of being forced to trade Nikola Jokic, and they will do everything they can to avoid that outcome and appease their franchise superstar. Following years of failed playoff runs, it's time for the Nuggets to mix things up, and Paul George would help them do that. While his play is often described as streaky, his experience and skillset as a two-way swingman on the perimeter make him an ideal fit next to Jokic, who is known to bring the best out of his teammates. If that's not enough, they also get a future first-round pick from the Sixers for taking on George's wildly expensive contract.
In exchange, the 76ers would get instant relief in the form of Michael Porter Jr. The sharpshooting forward has been a scoring machine for the Nuggets, and he could thrive in a bigger role in Philly with career averages of 18.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game on 50.4% shooting. With Zeke Nnaji and Dario Saric off the bench, Philly would get a much-needed scoring boost and might just have enough to open up the floor for Joel Embiid.
Utah Jazz
Proposed Trade Details
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: John Collins, Jordan Clarkson
Utah Jazz Receive: Paul George, 2030 first-round pick
Among all the potential Paul George trade destinations, the Jazz can build a compelling offer around two of their prized young players. With George, the Jazz wouldn't be in play for a title run, and at 35 years old, he's hardly a guy who fits the timeline of Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler. Still, his skill set should help keep the offense flowing, and his experience will prove valuable in a locker room of young competitors. The real prize would be that 2030 first-round pick from the Sixers, which we can expect to land somewhere high in the lottery. The Jazz were reported to be showing interest in the pick last week, but ultimately decided against trading up.
On the other side, John Collins would make a nice addition to Philly's frontcourt rotation, and he could slide right in as the starting power forward. As a versatile young big, Collins also makes the 76ers younger, and his impact next to Embiid could be highly effective. They would also get reliable perimeter shooter Jordan Clarkson in the deal, who averaged 16.2 points per game for the Jazz last season. The pair would not be the most glamorous additions for Philly, but it would certainly make them better as a team with added depth and versatility on the wing.
Phoenix Suns
Proposed Trade Details
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Bradley Beal
Phoenix Suns Receive: Paul George, 2029 second-round pick
Bradley Beal is considered untradeable by many fans and analysts, due mostly to his no-trade clause that allows him to veto any deal he's involved in. While Beal has yet to show signs of waiving his clause, it could still happen this summer after an abysmal season in Phoenix. With the 76ers, Beal could opt for a fresh start as he competes for a title alongside Joel Embiid. The only concern would be his fit with Tyrese Maxey, who handled the bulk of his team's playmaking last season. His shooting and scoring would provide a major offensive boost, raising the team's ceiling to a whole new level.
Meanwhile, the Suns would get back George in this trade, and that's not a bad return at all for someone like Beal, whose value is at an all-time low after underachieving with a no-trade clause. At 35 years old, on a bad contract, George is hardly an upgrade over Beal, but his skillset as a wing player might prove to be a better fit next to the offensively dominant Devin Booker, who has complete control over the backcourt.
With so much expected activity this summer, it's impossible to say how things will shake out for the 76ers, but they will be scrambling to make some moves and improve their broken roster before it's too late. While Paul George's trade value is relatively low right now (as a 9x All-Star), he can thrive in the right situation and with enough support and encouragement from his teammates.
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