The Philadelphia 76ers had some high hopes coming into this season. Having acquired the services of Paul George last season, on paper, the 76ers looked like a formidable side. With the likes of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey accompanying George, the 76ers were touted as one of the favorites. Unfortunately, when the season got underway, the 76ers’ season was nothing less than a nightmare. Thus, trying to get things back on track, the 76ers will be looking to make some tough calls.
This season, the 76ers won only 24 games! Due to their poor run, Philadelphia was awarded the third overall draft pick. Initially, ESPN reported that the team might be going for Rutgers’ star, Ace Bailey.
But ESPN’s Jonathan Givony suggests that things might drastically change. Givony opined that the team might be willing to give up their third pick, along with Paul George, in exchange for the services of Kevin Durant or Lauri Markkanen.
“Some teams expect the Sixers to be active in trade conversations, with names such as Kevin Durant (Phoenix) and Lauri Markkanen (Utah) as potential targets in packages that could include Paul George and the No. 3 pick,” said Givony.
The Sixers could target Kevin Durant or Lauri Markkanen with a package that includes Paul George and the No. 3 pick, according to ESPN
“Some teams expect the Sixers to be active in trade conversations, with names such as Kevin Durant (Phoenix) and Lauri Markkanen (Utah) as… pic.twitter.com/r3J0ztXEgL
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) May 20, 2025
However, Givony also pointed out an interesting fact. He stated that although Daryl Morey has been known to be trade-active, giving up a top-three pick is quite rare. Nonetheless, with the authority significantly unhappy with George, the writing was already on the wall.
Philadelphia 76ers To Bid Adieu To Paul George
Paul George was supposed to bolster the 76ers’ championship hopes. Instead, his performance in the regular season was not at all up to the mark. Despite his poor run, during the 2025 trade deadline, it was reported that the team was not considering trading George back then. But at the moment, things seem to have changed drastically.
The Philadelphia 76ers will try to trade Paul George this summer, per @AmicoHoops pic.twitter.com/OK5ObbML5q
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 13, 2025
With insights coming from Sam Amico, the 76ers will be looking to trade George ahead of the coming year. Now, with George’s future being sorted, it remains to be seen how things pan out in the future.