The Philadelphia 76ers are coming off an injury-riddled 2024-25 campaign, ending with their worst record since the 2015-16 season.
However, the team had extremely high expectations going into the season. Philadelphia signed Paul George to a four-year, $211.6 million contract, forming a trio of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and George. That trio ultimately combined to play just 112 regular-season games, with the 76ers finishing 13th in the Eastern Conference.
The Sixers have a bit more hope for 2025-26 if Embiid and George can stay relatively healthy, though that’s a big question mark for the two stars. In the twilight of his career, George could become a trade candidate if the team struggles, though the 76ers may have trouble finding a team to take on his contract.
MORE: Ex-NBA champion labels 76ers’ Paul George ‘cooked’ amid injury concerns
76ers trade pitch lands Lauri Markkanen
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report recently put together a trade proposal that would send George to the Utah Jazz, bringing one-time All-Star Lauri Markkanen to Philadelphia.
Here’s Buckley’s proposed trade:
76ers receive: Lauri Markkanen
Jazz receive: Paul George, 2028 first-round pick (via LAC), 2028 second-round pick (via GSW), 2030 second-round pick (via WAS)
The Jazz remain in a rebuild and are projected to sit near the bottom of the West once again. Still, they have some promising pieces, including the No. 5 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft Ace Bailey, who could benefit from George’s mentorship.
The 76ers have the pieces to contend for a title in a wide-open Eastern Conference, though injuries have been a key concern. While durability is still a question mark for Markkanen, he could give the 76ers a longer window for contention and is a better fit at power forward than George.
Markkanen has been involved in trade rumors for some time, and it’s unclear if Utah actually plans to give him up after extending him last summer. Still, enough picks could ultimately convince the Jazz to move him.