Sixers’ best plan would be to move on from Paul George, Joel Embiid, if possible

March 17, 2025

The 76ers had high hopes when they signed Paul George as a free agent last summer, believing his presence would help propel them into title contention. Clearly, that has not been the situation.

And according to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philly’s best move may be to explore trading the nine-time All-Star and his hefty contract during the offseason.

One league source told Hoops Wire that is precisely what the 76ers will try to do, as we relayed in a full story here.

George, who has been limited to just 41 games this season, has not played since March 4 due to groin and knee injuries. With three years and $162.3 million remaining on his contract, the 34-year-old will turn 35 in May.

Pompey also argues that the Sixers won’t be able to make significant progress until they move on from Joel Embiid. Philadelphia has repeatedly made moves to build around the star center, but Embiid’s ongoing injury troubles have hindered their effectiveness.

With Embiid, George, and Tyrese Maxey consuming nearly all of the team’s salary cap space over the next several seasons, Pompey notes that there will be little financial flexibility to improve the roster if these players remain in place.

“The Sixers have more than $578.7 million invested in the Big Three over the next several seasons,” Pompey wrote. “Based on Embiid and George’s injury histories and this season’s declining play, those contracts could set the Sixers back five to 10 seasons.”