It feels unlikely Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George will be moved this summer, but can the same be said about next offseason?
Philadelphia 76ers star forward Paul George has a potential two seasons remaining on his four-year, $211 million contract. He is set to earn $54.1 million next season and has a player option worth $56.5 million for the 2027-2028 season.
This is why trading George this offseason feels like an impossible task.
Yes, he can offer championship-contending teams a blend of leadership, defense, and scoring, but it's simply not worth the price tag attached. Although a trade feels unlikely this offseason, the same cannot be said about the following summer.
76ers beat reporter and analyst Gina Mizell of The Philadelphia Inquirer provided a potential timeline of when George could be traded.
"If George can build on his strong finish and carry that into next season, it is possible he could command interest at the trade deadline," Mizell wrote. "But that is more likely to occur this time next year, when he (finally) becomes an expiring contract."
George will become a much more appealing trade target once there is a single season remaining on his lucrative deal. Teams in a win-now position may be willing to absorb his hefty salary if he's able to help them compete for a title.
He averaged 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.7 steals on 43.9% shooting and 39.2% shooting from three-point range in 37 appearances in the 2025-2026 regular season. This, along with his level of play in the 76ers' first-round series against the Boston Celtics, proves he's capable of still contributing to a title contender.
Whether or not that will remain the case by the time he's on an expiring contract is tough to say. There's a very real possibility Philadelphia is stuck with George until his contract expires, especially if he regresses further in the 2026-2027 campaign.
Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe are the clear future of the 76ers, but that doesn't mean George won't add value over the next two seasons.
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