[HoopsWire] 76ers Will Try To Trade Paul George This Summer
The Philadelphia 76ers will try to trade small forward Paul George this summer, an NBA source told Hoops Wire.
George has struggled in his first season with the Sixers after signing a lucrative four-year, $211 million contract with the franchise in July. The veteran is averaging 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists while shooting 43.0% from the field, 35.8% from beyond the arc and 81.4% from the free-throw line.
The Sixers are 22-43 on the season. They are in 13th place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Former MVP Joel Embiid will miss the rest of the season because of his left knee injury. Embiid only played in 19 games this season.
Some members of the Sixers wanted George traded at the NBA trade deadline, a league source told Hoops Wire.
According to NBA reporter Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors were interested in trading for George at the deadline, but no deal took place.
The Warriors wound up acquiring Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat.
“Sources tell The Inquirer that the Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors have expressed interest in acquiring George ahead of Thursday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline,” Pompey wrote. “The Warriors came close to acquiring him from the Los Angeles Clippers via a sign-and-trade before the free-agency period began. Even though sources said the Sixers are gagging at the interest, the belief around the league is he’ll only get moved for a home-run deal.”
George’s best basketball is behind him. He turns 35 in May and has a history of lower body injuries.
The nine-time All-Star is currently out with a groin injury.
George has played for the Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers and Sixers. He has career averages of 20.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists.
A California native, George will make $51,666,090 next season and $54,126,380 in 2026-27. He has a player option worth $56,586,670 for the 2027-28 season.
Source: https://hoopswire.com/paul-george-philadelphia-76ers-sixers-nba-trade-rumors-news/