After a first-round playoff exit last season, the 76ers made a splash by signing Paul George to a 5-year, $212 million contract. Alongside Joel Embiid, who they signed to a 3-year, $193 million deal, Philly had legitimate championship aspirations heading into the 2024-2025 season.
Fast forward to today, and the Sixers are 22-41, withering in 11th place in the Eastern Conference. Joel Embiid, after playing just 19 games, has been ruled out for the season. Paul George, who has struggled with injuries of his own, is posting his worst scoring numbers in over a decade and has failed to meet expectations in Philadelphia.
The 76ers have quickly joined the unfortunate history of underwhelming "super teams." With nearly $405 million tied up in aging, injury-prone stars, the future is bleak in the City of Brotherly Love. To save the franchise from years of misery, the 76ers must clear Embiid's and George's cap hits.
The Joel Embiid injury situation risks hurting the Sixers for years to come
Joel Embiid has long been the poster child for injury-prone players, but it seems his medical history has now reached a crisis point. Reports suggest that doctors are considering temporarily breaking part of Embiid's hip to alleviate pressure on his knees, further compounding uncertainty about his future.
If Embiid returns next season, it's hard to envision him returning to his MVP-caliber form. With radical procedures on the horizon and his underwhelming, hobbled performances in 19 games this year, it looks like his injuries have finally caught up to him.
If Embiid decides to return, the 76ers find themselves in a nightmare scenario. With massive contracts and diminishing talent, Embiid's trade market would be infinitely smaller than in years past.
With the 76ers promising young core of Jared McCain and Tyrese Maxey, and lack of bench depth, trading Joel for a package of middling young talent and decent draft picks seems like the most encouraging scenario. Although the return wouldn't be eye-popping, it would be better than sacrificing their roster until the 2030's.
If Embiid's condition proves to be more severe, and he is forced into medical retirement, the financial implications would be significant. A medical retirement would clear Embiid's remaining money, providing the 76ers with an unexpected financial escape plan:
While the loss of their franchise cornerstone would be a tragic blow, it could give Philly the cap space to pursue a brighter future with McCain and Maxey leading the charge. No matter what happens with Embiid, one thing is apparent: the 76ers must move Paul George sooner rather than later.
The Philadelphia 76ers must trade Paul George at all costs
When the 76ers acquired Paul George this summer, they envisioned him as a reliable option to step up in Embiid's absence, and an elite second star when the team was at full strength. Unfortunately, George's performance has been far from his $212 million expectations.
At 34 years old and with a history of injuries, George is now posting his worst scoring splits in over a decade. His ability to contribute in a meaningful way has steadily diminished, and it’s increasingly difficult to consider him an All-Star-level talent.
George's trade value has already decreased, but the 76ers need to find a trade partner before it plummets. As they attempt to develop young talents like Jared McCain and Tyrese Maxey, retool the supporting cast, and ride the uncertainty of Embiid's future, the team cannot afford to attach themselves to George’s massive cap hit, which will grow to $56 million by 2028.
Though the market for George is limited, struggling teams in need of a scoring boost may take a chance on him. The Sixers should seek a deal that includes young talent and draft capital, or even look to swap him for a player with an expiring contract. Regardless of the approach, the Sixers must cut their losses with George.
The Sixers choose a new path forward.
Although Sixers fans may shudder at the prospect of reigniting The Process, clearing Embiid and George’s contracts would pave the way for a much brighter future. With an elite young backcourt in Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain, a potential lottery pick in the 2025 draft, and the flexibility to acquire young talent and meaningful role players, the 76ers are not doomed to a complete overhaul—they just need to be proactive.
However, the front office must be willing to make difficult decisions. Clinging to a failed championship vision will only delay the inevitable. If the Sixers act now, they can build a sustainable, competitive future rather than suffering through years of mediocrity.