The Philadelphia 76ers are facing a critical offseason following a disappointing campaign marked by injuries and limited cohesion. Despite entering the season with high hopes after last year’s significant moves, the team struggled, ending near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. A major issue was that the core trio of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George rarely shared the court together, which hampered their overall performance.
Looking ahead, the 76ers hold the No. 3 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft and must make pivotal decisions, especially about the future of Paul George. There has been speculation about potential trades involving George, but recent reports indicate the team plans to retain him for another run.
Plans to Keep Paul George Despite a Challenging Season
According to Marc Stein, Philadelphia is preparing to maintain its current core while using their draft pick to strengthen the roster. Stein noted the financial implications tied to the draft pick, stating that by staying at No. 3, the team would add an $11.1 million salary commitment for the 2025-26 season.
He further shared,
“By simply staying at No. 3, Philadelphia would introduce an $11.1 million salary onto its books for 2025-26,”
and
“So the Sixers expect to operate near (or maybe even above) the second apron for this upcoming campaign, sources say, as they prepare to give Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey another shot to try to contend for a championship after they managed to appear in just 15 games (7-8) together this season.”
—Marc Stein
The intention is to run it back with the big three while adding fresh talent through the draft. Additionally, the 76ers are looking to re-sign Quentin Grimes, who emerged as an important contributor during the latter part of the previous season, when he was the healthiest and most impactful player available.
Next Steps for the 76ers’ Championship Aspirations
After a year clouded by injury setbacks and missed opportunities for the big trio to gel, Philadelphia is cautiously optimistic about returning to contender status. Retaining Paul George shows confidence in his potential to contribute alongside Embiid and Maxey. Bringing in new players through the draft and securing key role players like Quentin Grimes will be vital for improving team depth and chemistry.
While the upcoming season carries some unease due to past struggles, the organization’s decision to keep the core intact reflects a strategic bet that health and continuity will lead to a stronger title challenge.