The Philadelphia 76ers, fresh off a series of strong playoff performances in recent years, find themselves at a

crossroads in the 2024-25 NBA season. While the team boasts significant talent, including MVP-caliber center Joel Embiid, they also have several roster questions that could shape their future. One of the most pressing questions looming over the 76ers’ front office: should they consider trading for or moving Paul George by the upcoming NBA trade deadline?

Paul George, currently playing for the Los Angeles Clippers, has been a consistent star for much of his career, and his name frequently appears in trade rumors. The 33-year-old forward remains a key player for the Clippers when healthy, but his injury history and the uncertain future of the Clippers could make him available for the right offer. Given the Sixers’ current roster situation, it’s worth analyzing if acquiring George—or moving on from certain pieces—could be the right call for Philadelphia.

The Sixers’ Current Situation

Before jumping into whether acquiring George would make sense, let’s first take a look at the Sixers’ current status. As of now, the 76ers are a playoff contender in the Eastern Conference, but their hopes of advancing deep into the playoffs hinge on more than just Embiid’s stellar individual performance. The team’s supporting cast, including James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, and Tobias Harris, is strong but not as consistent as needed for a championship run. Philadelphia also has ongoing concerns about the health of some of their key players, particularly Harden and Joel Embiid himself.

One of the most glaring concerns in recent years has been the lack of a true second star next to Embiid, especially in high-stakes playoff games. While Harden is a former MVP and has shown his brilliance at times, his ability to consistently perform in the postseason has been questioned. On the other hand, Maxey has developed into an exciting young talent, but the team is still looking for another reliable All-Star to support Embiid on both ends of the floor.

Why Consider Paul George?

Paul George has consistently been one of the best two-way players in the NBA, and a potential trade to Philadelphia could bolster the Sixers in a number of key areas.

1. Offensive Firepower and Versatility:

Paul George brings an offensive game that complements Embiid in several ways. The 6-foot-8 forward can score at all three levels—he’s an elite shooter from beyond the arc, a capable mid-range scorer, and can get to the basket. His ability to create his own shot and break down defenses with his ball-handling would give the Sixers an additional offensive weapon next to Embiid. Not only that, but George’s perimeter shooting would help space the floor for Embiid, whose post-game is dominant, but who can struggle at times without the necessary spacing.

2. Defensive Presence:

One of the strongest aspects of Paul George’s game is his defensive ability. George has earned NBA All-Defensive Team honors multiple times throughout his career and remains one of the top wing defenders in the league. His ability to guard multiple positions, including opposing superstars, would be invaluable for the Sixers, especially when facing teams with elite offensive weapons like the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Miami Heat.

In the playoffs, defense often makes the difference between advancing and falling short, and George’s two-way prowess would provide much-needed versatility to the Sixers’ defensive schemes. Having George guard the opposition’s best player would also allow Embiid to focus on his interior presence, which is often crucial in the postseason.

3. Leadership and Playoff Experience:

George brings a wealth of playoff experience to the table. While his teams have sometimes fallen short in the postseason, George has performed well on the biggest stages, notably leading the Indiana Pacers to deep playoff runs earlier in his career. The Sixers, with their combination of veterans and younger players, would benefit from George’s leadership in the postseason. His experience with intense playoff atmospheres could help Philadelphia avoid the pitfalls they’ve experienced in recent years.

The Injury Concerns

While George is undoubtedly a talented player, his injury history is a significant concern. George has missed significant time due to injuries throughout his career, including a major leg injury that sidelined him for a portion of the 2014-15 season. More recently, he’s dealt with shoulder and knee issues that have limited his availability. Injuries to star players are always a concern, but with George’s age and recent history, the risk is amplified.

The Sixers, with their own injury history—especially regarding Joel Embiid’s health—may not want to take on another injury-prone player, as it could add more uncertainty to their championship aspirations. Furthermore, George’s contract is set to expire after the 2024-25 season, meaning Philadelphia would be acquiring him for a potential rental, depending on how long they plan to keep him. This means the team must carefully assess whether it’s worth the risk to bring in a player who may not be available in key moments.

The Trade Potential: What Would It Take?

If the Sixers were to pursue a trade for Paul George, the primary question is: what would they have to give up? The Clippers, with their window for contention narrowing, would likely seek a return that gives them flexibility and youth. Possible trade packages could include:

• Tobias Harris: Harris has been a consistent scorer for the Sixers but could be expendable if the team can upgrade its roster with a player like George. His salary is also comparable to George’s, which could make the trade more financially viable.
• Draft Picks: The Clippers are likely looking for future assets, and the Sixers have a solid collection of draft picks that they could offer. This would help Los Angeles rebuild in the coming seasons.
• Role Players: Philadelphia could offer up additional role players like Shake Milton or Furkan Korkmaz to match salaries or fill out the Clippers’ roster.

The trade is likely to be complex, as both teams have a need for talent upgrades but would also have to consider the long-term ramifications of such a deal.

Should the Sixers Pull the Trigger?

The answer to this question depends on what the Sixers value most: the present or the future.

If Daryl Morey and the rest of the front office believe that they have a legitimate shot at competing for an NBA title in the immediate future, adding Paul George could be the piece that elevates them to the next level. His defensive prowess, scoring ability, and leadership would make the Sixers one of the most dangerous teams in the Eastern Conference, and potentially the league. With Embiid in his prime, they can’t afford to waste this window of opportunity.

On the other hand, if the Sixers are wary of George’s injury history and are concerned about giving up assets for a player with limited term left on his contract, it may be wise to pass on the trade. The team has youth in Maxey and other developing players, and it could be worth waiting for a future deal or for internal growth.

The Bottom Line

Acquiring Paul George could help elevate the 76ers to championship contention, but it would come with some risks. For a team like Philadelphia, which is built around a superstar in Joel Embiid, a successful trade for George would need to significantly improve their title chances this season. If the trade is executed carefully, it could be the spark that leads to the team’s first NBA championship in over 40 years. However, they must also be mindful of their long-term flexibility and the health risks associated with George’s injury history.

In the end, it’s a decision that will require the Sixers to balance their immediate needs with their long-term aspirations.