76ers Eye Trades for Paul George as Future Uncertainty Looms

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Philadelphia 76ers are considering potential trade options for Paul George, whose performance last season raised concerns about his long-term viability with the team. With George’s contract extending three more years, he will be 37 years old by its conclusion, prompting Philadelphia to explore alternatives.

According to Nicholas Kyle Pring of FanSided, the 76ers might look to acquire DeMar DeRozan, a multi-time All-Star who presents a more favorable contract situation compared to George. Pring notes, “DeRozan is not really any more of a needle-mover than George currently is, but he is at least someone who has a shorter and cheaper contract than the latter.” Additionally, he argued that DeRozan would bring shot creation and playmaking abilities that are currently lacking in the 76ers’ roster.

Despite the impressive scoring presence of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Quentin Grimes, none particularly excel as playmakers. Pring believes that DeRozan, who has been developing his passing skills, would help fill this significant gap if acquired by Philadelphia.

This season, DeRozan has averaged career-high assist numbers, including 6.9 assists per game during his tenure with the San Antonio Spurs. In Philadelphia, it is likely he would assume a primary playmaker role, lessening the offensive burden on the current stars.

As the situation with George grows more tenuous, analysts suggest a similar appeal could be leveraged with another player — Andrew Wiggins. Pring indicated that Wiggins represents a necessary player type for the 76ers. He explained, “The 76ers need actual players who can complement their stars, and Wiggins is exactly the kind of player they need to elevate their defense without sacrificing their firepower.”

Wiggins, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft and made an All-Star team in 2022, might bolster the team’s long-term cap flexibility, something Philadelphia could benefit from given George’s declining production.

Beyond George, the past missteps by the 76ers include the overvaluation of Tobias Harris. Once a key player for Philadelphia, Harris has had a resurgent season with the Detroit Pistons after agreeing to a two-year deal worth $52 million. Since his arrival, the Pistons have experienced a remarkable 29-win improvement — the most recorded since a player’s addition, tying him with legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

However, it is essential to note that Harris’s numbers with Detroit — averaging 13.8 points and six rebounds while shooting 47.4% from the field — suggest he is not performing at a superstar level. As the team’s dynamics shift, Harris’s overall contributions play a part in their current success, showcasing that his previous tenure with the 76ers did not maximize his potential.

The 76ers are at a critical crossroads as they mull over potential trades for their aging stars, particularly Paul George. With the expectation of needing to retool for a favorable future, any decisions made in the coming months will be vital for the franchise’s trajectory moving forward.