Paul George’s first season with the Philadelphia 76ers fell short of expectations, as persistent injury troubles limited his participation to only half of the team‘s games. Speaking candidly on his podcast, George detailed the physical setbacks that hindered his performance throughout the season, shedding light on the difficulties that contributed to his reduced impact in Philadelphia.
George explained that he arrived in Philadelphia in good health after dedicating the offseason to physical preparation. However, injuries struck early during the preseason.
“I didn’t have any hiccups; I spent the whole offseason working on my body, getting healthy. Then I get to Philly. Preseason, I get hurt…I didn’t have my burst. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t pin what it was…So I started taking medicine to numb it up. Then I had an injury I didn’t even know about. That’s when I found out I had a torn adductor. That whole time, I just couldn’t move,”
he revealed. —Paul George, NBA All-Star
In addition to George’s struggles, Joel Embiid also dealt with injury issues during the same season, leaving the roster’s immediate outlook somewhat uncertain. With George’s debut year in Philly falling below expectations, there is growing pressure for him to demonstrate his value to fans and management in the upcoming season, or risk becoming the focus of trade discussions.
Philadelphia’s Stance on Paul George’s Trade Prospects This Summer
Recent reports speculated on the possibility of the Sixers trading Paul George, particularly in combination with their high draft pick, but those rumors have been largely refuted. Sources close to the organization clarified that the team has no intention of moving George this offseason, especially considering his declining trade value following an injury-plagued season.
NBA insider Jake Fischer emphasized this viewpoint, noting,
“Sources say that recent reports suggesting that the Sixers will be looking to explore George’s trade market in conjunction with the draft are a misread.”
He added,
“There have been no indications that they are looking to package George with the No. 3 pick or try to move him on his own. The Sixers surely understand that there is little-to-no chance they could optimize a trade return for the 35-year-old after his injury-riddled maiden season as a Sixer … especially with three seasons remaining on George’s max deal.”
—Jake Fischer, NBA Insider
Given the difficulty of securing sufficient value in a trade and George’s remaining contract obligations, the Sixers appear committed to retaining him for the foreseeable future, hoping for a rebound in his performance and health.
Commitment to Using the Third Overall Draft Pick in 2025
While the team maintains a firm hold on George, their third overall draft pick in the 2025 NBA Draft has sparked speculation about possible trades to accelerate team improvements. However, Sixers executive Daryl Morey recently clarified that the franchise plans to keep the pick and select a player to strengthen the roster.
Morey commented on the draft outlook, stating,
“Yeah, our plan is to pick this pick, yeah. Yeah, I think the top few, top three, four, you could argue, five maybe. I mean, there are good players in this draft. The top of this draft, I think, I would say I was very fortunate to start my career in the 2003 draft. Which some argue is the best draft of all time, but I think it’s in the top five of high-quality players in the top of the draft in my career.”
—Daryl Morey, Sixers Executive
The 2025 draft class is expected to be deep with talent, giving Philadelphia a promising opportunity to add a significant young contributor. Even though draft night has occasionally seen last-minute trades, the current indication is that the Sixers will integrate this newcomer alongside their core duo of George and Embiid. With Tyrese Maxey developing rapidly, Philadelphia hopes to assemble an injury-resilient squad capable of serious playoff contention.
Outlook for the Sixers Amid Uncertainties in the Roster
Despite a difficult season disrupted by injuries, the Sixers’ decision to keep Paul George signals faith in his ability to return to form. Alongside Joel Embiid and emerging star Tyrese Maxey, George remains a central figure for the team’s championship aspirations. The addition of a promising rookie from the upcoming draft could bolster depth and talent, which may be critical for maintaining competitiveness in the Eastern Conference.
The upcoming season will test Philadelphia’s resilience, as health and chemistry will be vital for translating their assembled talent into success. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if George can overcome his injury struggles and justify the team’s commitment to his future with the Sixers.