Paul George has been suspended for 25 games for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy, and it sets the San Antonio Spurs up perfectly to make a trade.
Don't look now, but Joel Embiid seems to be returning to form. The Philadelphia 76ers are sixth in the Eastern Conference, but the former MVP is averaging 30.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists since Christmas. Add in Tyrese Maxey playing All-Star basketball, the rise of rookie VJ Edgecombe, and the Sixers look to be a real contender.
However, Paul George has been suspended for 25 games for violating the NBA's performance-enhancing drugs policy. George is the third-best player on the Sixers and is by far their most versatile defender, and now he will be out until March.
Enter the San Antonio Spurs. With Philadelphia in need of a slasher, a tertiary passer, and a defender, the Spurs could make a deal with the 76ers.
Jeremy Sochan Would Be Perfect Trade Target for 76ers
Jeremy Sochan is currently listed on the Spurs' injury report with a hurt quad, although that's just code for "we're going to trade him soon, let him sit out."
Sochan has been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and Indiana Pacers, among others, but with George out, the 76ers are a perfect suitor.
Sochan is not nearly as complete an offensive player, but his defense is on par with George's, and he is much more durable, despite his current injury designation. Between Jared McCain and VJ Edgecombe, the 76ers have plenty of young talent the Spurs should be salivating over, although it's hard to imagine the Sixers parting with either of those prized youngsters.
Instead, the Spurs should offer Sochan and a protected first-round pick for Kelly Oubre Jr.
Oubre Jr. is shooting 36.9% from deep this season, and while he is a key starter for the Sixers--especially with George out--his offense off the bench would be a great addition to the Spurs.
It might be a hard sell, but if Philadelphia wants to stay afloat in the East without George, adding a proven defender needs to be a priority. Sochan is exactly that, and Oubre's range would round out a bench unit featuring Dylan Harper, Luke Kornet, Keldon Johnson, and Harrison Barnes.
As the Spurs shop Sochan on the trade market, expect the 76ers to play ball and make their interest in some of the league's best defenders known. Keon Ellis has already been dealt, so Sochan is one of the best remaining options.