Dumping an aging star's massive contract for a trio of versatile role players could provide the depth and financial flexibility needed to maximize the teams future.
The Philadelphia 76ers do not have many easy offseason decisions, and Paul George’s future may be one of the most complicated. George is still a talented two-way wing, but his contract creates a real roster-building problem. That is why the trade idea involving the Detroit Pistons is at least worth discussing.
In ESPN’s offseason trade ideas, Bobby Marks examined a framework that would send George and a first-round pick to Detroit, with Philadelphia receiving Duncan Robinson, Isaiah Stewart, and Caris LeVert. Marks was not fully sold on the Sixers giving up a first to move George, which is fair considering Philadelphia's current roster makeup. But from a roster-building standpoint, the deal makes sense. The Sixers would be turning one expensive veteran into three useful rotation players. ESPN’s trade concept centered on Philadelphia adding depth while Detroit takes the bigger-name swing.
For Philadelphia, the biggest benefit would be flexibility. George is set to make $54.1 million in 2026-27, with another large salary in 2027-28. That is a major commitment for a player in his mid-30s, especially with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey already on expensive deals.
Robinson would immediately address one of Philadelphia’s biggest needs: shooting. He averaged 12.2 points this season for Detroit and remains one of the NBA’s most dangerous movement shooters. For a Sixers team built around Maxey’s rim pressure and Embiid’s gravity, having an elite shooter on the wing would make their lives far easier.
Stewart would give Philadelphia toughness and elite rim protection in the frontcourt. He averaged 10.0 points and 5.0 rebounds while shooting 55 percent from the field, and his physicality would help a Sixers team that has often lacked reliable big-man depth behind Embiid.
LeVert would be the third piece. A fine scorer and secondary creator who can handle the ball, attack closeouts, and provide microwave scoring. His 7.4 points per game this season do not jump off the page, but he has a long track record as a competent offensive player.
Detroit’s side makes sense, too. The Pistons already have depth and young talent, but they may need more high-end scoring creation around Cade Cunningham. George would give them playoff experience, size, shooting, and another late-clock option. After reaching the second round, Detroit could view this as a move to raise its ceiling.
This is risky for Philadelphia. Giving up a first-round pick just to move George is costly. If the Sixers are rebuilding around Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, that pick could be more valuable than any player in the deal. But if the front office wants to stay competitive while creating a more balanced roster, Robinson, Stewart, and LeVert would help immediately.
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Wes Dixon is a contributing writer to 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached at [email protected].
