Despite whispers before the NBA draft suggesting that the Philadelphia 76ers might trade veteran Paul George, sources close to the team have dismissed those talks as baseless. NBA insider Marc Stein reported that a league source described the rumors as “nonsense,” indicating no genuine consideration for such a move.

This denial comes even though Paul George endured a difficult first season with the Sixers after signing a lucrative four-year, $212 million contract last offseason. The 76ers appear committed to allowing more time for the partnership between George and the team to grow before making drastic decisions.

Paul George’s Performance and Impact on the 76ers

At 35 years old, George had one of his more challenging seasons, averaging 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists across just 41 games. Injuries significantly limited his contributions, mirroring the difficulties faced by many of Philadelphia’s top players. Despite these setbacks, there is optimism that if George can regain full health, he will offer valuable support alongside Joel Embiid.

While George may no longer reach his peak All-NBA form, he still holds the capability to be an effective second option for the team. The 76ers hope a healthier George can strengthen their roster and complement Embiid’s dominant presence on the court.

Future Considerations for the 76ers’ Roster

If the upcoming season does not see improvement in the George-Embiid dynamic, the team might seriously revisit trade possibilities. The current stance suggests patience, but the door might open wider for trade talks if the chemistry and performance fail to meet expectations moving forward.

Meanwhile, the 2025 NBA Draft brought excitement to Philadelphia with the addition of promising talent like VJ Edgecombe, which fans hope will synergize well with established stars and improve the team’s prospects overall.