The Philadelphia 76ers have shut down recent trade rumors involving Paul George, which has been confirmed by multiple sources, despite recent reports suggesting otherwise. According to NBA reporter Jake Fischer, the idea that the Sixers will explore the trade market for George ahead of the draft is inaccurate. He clarified that since Philadelphia brought George in during last summer’s free agency, the team has had no plans to move him unless he asks out himself. So far, that has not happened.
This confirms that the Sixers are sticking with their two main stars: Joel Embiid and Paul George. Although both players dealt with injuries during the 2024–25 season, the front office remains confident in their potential together. George played in 41 games, averaging 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. He missed time with a hyperextended knee, a finger tendon injury, and groin soreness. Embiid had an even shorter season, playing only 19 games due to a left knee injury. During that stretch, he posted 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game.
Because of their injuries and inconsistent lineup availability, the Sixers finished 26th in league standings. They averaged 109.6 points per game on 45.4 percent shooting. Tyrese Maxey was their top scorer, but the team failed to reach the playoffs. With that kind of outcome, it’s understandable that rumors of big changes would start to spread. However, the team is showing no signs of rushing into drastic moves.
Instead, Philadelphia is focusing on the upcoming NBA Draft. The Sixers will be selecting third overall—a favorable outcome from the draft lottery, especially considering the pick was top-six protected. Most analysts expect Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper to go first and second. After that, the third pick becomes a turning point. The next group of players doesn’t have the same clear superstar projection, which means Philadelphia has a decision to make—use the pick on a high-upside rookie or trade it for proven talent.
This opens up several possibilities. One of the biggest names in trade speculation is Kevin Durant. If the Sixers were to make a deal for Durant, it would likely involve trading Paul George. That swap could make sense from a salary and roster standpoint, especially because Durant’s Phoenix Suns didn’t even reach the play-in tournament last season. However, Durant will turn 37 in September. Pairing him with Embiid, who has a history of injuries, could be risky. It’s also unclear whether that trio—Durant, Embiid, and Maxey—would be enough to carry the team deep into the playoffs.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is another name that has come up, though this scenario would probably require the Sixers to include Tyrese Maxey in a trade along with the No. 3 pick. Antetokounmpo will be 31 early in the 2025–26 season. Adding him would immediately raise the Sixers’ ceiling, but it would also make their already aging roster even older. Last season, Philadelphia entered with the oldest average age in the NBA. Giving up Maxey for a veteran core would be a gamble, especially with questions around Embiid and George’s long-term health.
There are more realistic trade options being discussed. Lauri Markkanen, for instance, is 28 years old and a former Most Improved Player. Though he played only 47 games this past season for the Utah Jazz, his offensive skill set and size would give the Sixers flexibility in their frontcourt. Cam Johnson is another player the team is linked to. He’ll be 29 next season and offers shooting and size on the wing, something Philadelphia needs. According to trade proposals discussed by The Athletic, Johnson would replace Kelly Oubre in the starting lineup and provide more reliable production.
If Philadelphia wants to balance winning now with building for the future, they could target players with room to grow. Herb Jones of the Pelicans fits this profile. He finished fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2024 and was named to the All-Defensive First Team. Jones shot 41 percent from three last season and still has two years left on his contract at $14 million per year. If the Sixers can help him develop a more consistent offensive game, he could be a valuable two-way player in their system.
Another team to watch is Portland. The Trail Blazers hold the 11th overall pick and might want to move up in the draft. Players like Shaedon Sharpe or Deni Avdija could be trade targets. Sharpe has elite athleticism and upside, while Avdija could fill a need at forward with his size and versatility.
One constant across all trade scenarios is the need for health. The Sixers must avoid acquiring another injury-prone player. If they trade the No. 3 pick, they need a player who can play at least 60 games next season. That seems like a basic requirement, but given the team’s injury history, it becomes a key priority. Players like Markkanen and Jones have had some injuries, but are generally more reliable than Embiid and George have been.
While those big decisions are still developing, the Sixers also have smaller but still important personnel choices to make. Quentin Grimes, acquired midseason from Dallas, played 28 games and averaged 21.9 points per game for Philadelphia. His shooting percentage was 37.3, and he showed more playmaking and scoring than he had in previous seasons. He’s now a restricted free agent.
The Detroit Pistons, where he once played briefly, are reportedly interested. However, the Sixers hold his Bird Rights, giving them the ability to match any offer. Given his breakout performance and Philadelphia’s need for depth, the expectation is that they will prioritize keeping him.
The next few weeks could determine how long Philadelphia’s championship window stays open—or whether it begins to close.
