Source: Some Members Of 76ers Wanted Paul George Traded At Deadline

Some members of the Philadelphia 76ers wanted Paul George traded at the NBA trade deadline, a league source told Hoops Wire. 

George has struggled in his first season with the Sixers after signing a massive four-year, $211 million contract with the franchise in July. The forward is averaging 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists while shooting 42.6% from the field, 36.3% from beyond the arc and 82.1% from the free-throw line. 

According to NBA reporter Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors were interested in trading for George at the deadline, but no deal took place. 

“Sources tell The Inquirer that the Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors have expressed interest in acquiring George ahead of Thursday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline,” Pompey wrote. “The Warriors came close to acquiring him from the Los Angeles Clippers via a sign-and-trade before the free-agency period began. Even though sources said the Sixers are gagging at the interest, the belief around the league is he’ll only get moved for a home-run deal.”

The Sixers are only 20-34 on the season. They are in 11th place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Due to injuries, George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey have barely shared the floor together. 

A nine-time All-Star, George has played for the Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers and Sixers. He has career averages of 20.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists. 

George’s best basketball is behind him. He turns 35 in May and has a history of lower body injuries.

The swingman is currently dealing with an extensor tendon injury in his left pinky finger.

“It’s tough,” George said. “The pain pretty much went down, but little things like ball-handling, catching it, going left at moments. Like there’s a couple plays tonight where it bobbled a bit because I got to essentially play like this all game. So you know, it’s frustrating, but it is what it is.”

The Sixers will try to trade George in the offseason, a league source told Hoops Wire.