It's difficult to understate how disappointing Paul George was this season for the Philadelphia 76ers. The nine-time All-Star was signed to a massive five-year, $212 million contract with the hopes that he could give them a much-needed third option behind Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.
Instead, he added to the Sixers' woes by averaging 16.2 points per game, the lowest since his rookie year, and missing more than half the season with several injuries. At 35 years old, George suddenly looks old after previously playing at a high level into his 30s.
With the uncertainty surrounding his play going forward, the Sixers are likely open to trading him this summer, but it could cost them dearly. According to ESPN's Jonathan Givony, team president Daryl Morey is shopping George and the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft for a star.
Sixers flirt with disaster with rumored star-for-star blockbuster
While George is himself a nine-time All-Star, the Sixers clearly don't think that he has much left in the tank if they are willing to attach the third pick in the draft. Potential trade targets include Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant and Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen.
Durant would be an upgrade over George at this point in their careers. But he is also two years older, and trading for him would result in the Sixers having to extend him. If Durant suddenly declines, then they could be in the same situation while having given up the third overall pick.
Markkanen is the far safer option, with him already locked up for the next four years and being only 27 years old. Turning George and the third pick into Markkanen would at least make the Sixers more competitive now, though it could hurt them in the long term.
Packaging George and the third pick for a star may be worth it
The likely third overall pick would be Ace Bailey, who, granted, is the most polarizing player in this draft, but he has star potential. Passing up on a chance to draft him for a star that is eight years older or another that has played in the NBA almost as long as he's been alive is risky.
Then again, Giannis Antetokounmpo could be traded to the West. Also, Jayson Tatum may miss all of next season, and the Celtics might move at least two members of their core to shed salary. That could give the Sixers a rare opportunity to make the Eastern Conference Finals if they were to go all in.
Ultimately, it will come down to what the Sixers can get for George and the third pick. If they can get a star, get off of George's contract, and bolster their roster, then it may make sense if it means they can make a deep run next season.