Chaos in Philly: Time to Trade Paul George Before It’s Too Late

The Philadelphia 76ers have officially hit rock bottom. A humiliating 109-144 blowout loss to the Denver Nuggets marked their seventh consecutive defeat, sending shockwaves through the NBA. As frustrations boiled over, reports emerged of a tense atmosphere in the Sixers' locker room, with players venting their anger in a profanity-laden tirade that was, as one Nuggets reporter put it, "too crude to repeat."

The situation in Philadelphia is dire. With a 15-27 record, they sit in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, their playoff hopes slipping further and further away. At this point, the idea of tanking to secure the rights to draft Cameron Flagg, the projected No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft, doesn’t seem so far-fetched. The Duke standout is currently averaging 17.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game—leading his team in every category. But whether or not the Sixers are ready to throw in the towel, one thing is clear: something has to change, and fast.

The Big Contracts and Bigger Problems

The Sixers' current predicament is in large part a result of their questionable decisions last summer. They handed out massive contracts to their core trio: Tyrese Maxey (5 years, $204 million), Paul George (4 years, $212 million), and Joel Embiid (3 years, $193 million).

Of the three, Maxey has undoubtedly been the best investment. At just 24 years old, the rising star has been a beacon of hope in an otherwise dismal season. Maxey is logging a staggering 37.7 minutes per game (third-most in the league) and is averaging career highs with 26.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 2 steals per game. His offensive explosiveness and ability to shoulder the workload make him the team’s most valuable asset moving forward.

On the other hand, Paul George and Joel Embiid are proving to be less-than-reliable pillars of the franchise. George, at 34 years old, has seen a significant decline in his performance. Once an elite two-way player, he is now averaging just 17 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.8 steals per game while shooting a pedestrian 42.3% from the field and 35.5% from beyond the arc. For context, last season with the Clippers, George averaged 22.6 points on much more efficient splits of 47.1% from the field and 41.3% from deep. The drop-off has been sharp and undeniable.

As for Embiid, the reigning MVP, his season has been marred by injuries once again. The 30-year-old center has played in just 13 games this season, reminding everyone of his fragility. While his talent and dominance are unquestionable, his inability to stay on the court significantly diminishes his value.

The Paul George Problem

Of the three stars, Paul George has emerged as the biggest liability. His decline has been so apparent that even league insiders have started to question the wisdom of the Sixers’ front office. One executive reportedly remarked, “Philly knew George would regress—they just thought it wouldn’t happen until Year 4 of his contract, not Year 1.”

Now, the Sixers are stuck with a 34-year-old forward on the wrong side of his prime, locked into a massive contract that seems impossible to move. George’s declining production and hefty salary make him a tough sell, especially when most teams are reluctant to take on such a risky investment.

But the Sixers can’t afford to wait. The longer they hold on to George, the more his value will plummet. If Philadelphia has any hope of salvaging this season—or their future—they need to explore trade options for George immediately.

Potential Trade Destinations

Finding a trade partner for Paul George won’t be easy, but it’s not impossible. Teams on the fringe of contention, desperate for veteran leadership or a final piece to push them over the edge, might be willing to take a chance on him. Here are a few potential destinations:

• Miami Heat: The Heat are known for taking on reclamation projects and getting the most out of aging stars. George’s defensive versatility and playoff experience could make him a valuable addition to a team with championship aspirations.

• Dallas Mavericks: Pairing Luka Dončić with a seasoned wing like George could relieve some of the offensive burden on Luka while bolstering the Mavs’ perimeter defense.

• New York Knicks: The Knicks are always on the lookout for star power, and George could provide a much-needed veteran presence on a team still trying to establish itself as a contender.

A Franchise at a Crossroads

The Philadelphia 76ers are at a turning point. Their current roster is a flawed mix of aging stars, injury-prone players, and one young standout in Tyrese Maxey. If they’re serious about competing in the near future, they need to make bold moves—starting with trading Paul George.

But the Sixers must tread carefully. Maxey is their best asset, and any moves they make should be aimed at building around him. Trading George for younger players or draft picks could help reset their timeline and give them the flexibility they need to retool their roster.

Final Thoughts

The Sixers’ fall from grace has been painful to watch. A team that once seemed poised to contend for a championship is now on the brink of irrelevance. The decisions they make in the coming weeks will define their future, for better or worse.

As for Paul George, his career is at a crossroads as well. Once one of the NBA’s brightest stars, he now finds himself fighting to prove he still belongs among the league’s elite. Whether that happens in Philadelphia or elsewhere remains to be seen. For now, the Sixers’ only hope is to act swiftly and decisively—because time is running out.