Philadelphia 76ers' Dream Trade Scenario Swaps Paul George for $179 Million NBA Champion

Philadelphia 76ers star forward Paul George is in the midst of serving a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA's anti-drug policy.

Prior to the punishment, George's production was not living up to the salary he's earning. He is averaging just 16.0 points on 42.4% shooting in 27 appearances despite earning more than $51 million this season.

The 76ers would likely jump at the opportunity to rid their roster of this contract if a player of similar talent is coming to Philadelphia in return. This is why Bleacher Report named a blockbuster trade between the 76ers and Brooklyn Nets, as the one trade Philadelphia 'wishes' it could make right now.

The proposed deal sees the Sixers send Paul George, a 2028 first-round pick (via Los Angeles) and a top-five protected 2031 first-round pick to the Nets for star Michael Porter Jr. and Ziaire Williams.

"The Philadelphia 76ers are another interesting potential landing spot for Michael Porter Jr., whose shooting would make actions involving Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in the middle of the floor even tougher to defend," B/R's Andy Bailey wrote. "Porter isn't the defender Paul George is, but he's a better rebounder and a much higher-volume shooter."

Porter is having a breakout campaign in his first season with the Nets, averaging 24.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.1 assists on 47.3% shooting and 37.5% shooting from three-point range in 48 games.

The NBA champion severely lacks playmaking chops but is one of the best catch-and-shoot players in the league. He could add another exciting dimension to Philadelphia's offense. He is in the second to last season of a five-year, $179 million contract, so retaining him would not be an immediate concern.

Although, as Hughes pointed out, George's defense has been integral to the 76ers' success this season, which Porter would not provide.

The intrigue for Brooklyn in this scenario is, of course, the two first-round picks Philadelphia is attaching.

Porter and George are quite different players with different strengths, but the ultimate goal of this scenario would be to move on from the latter's lucrative contract.

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Anthony Pasciolla is the publisher of 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com or followed on X @AnthonyPasci.