76ers rumors: NBA insider sparks Paul George trade buzz with Trae Young comparison

The Philadelphia 76ers are entering a pivotal offseason following sweeping organizational changes, and new trade speculation surrounding Paul George has already emerged after the team’s second-round playoff exit.

Philadelphia was swept by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals, intensifying questions about the franchise’s direction after the dismissal of longtime executive Daryl Morey. Former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers is now overseeing basketball operations on an interim basis while leading the search for the organization’s next top executive.

Amid that uncertainty, NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported Wednesday that George’s contract situation and recent postseason performance could make him a legitimate trade candidate this offseason, drawing comparisons to the recent trade involving Trae Young and the Washington Wizards.

“Trae Young and Anthony Davis got traded in the winter. Why not Embiid next then?

Don’t forget that Young, in particular, was in the final guaranteed year of his Atlanta contract before a pending player option for next season.

His situation was actually more comparable to PG-13’s than Embiid’s. And it sounds, for the record, as though George has somewhat rehabilitated his trade value around the NBA.”

Fischer continued by outlining how George’s contract structure could appeal to potential suitors despite his age.

“The 36-year-old has just one guaranteed season left at $54.1 million for 2026-27 before a player option in 2027-28, potentially creating some runway for a theoretical George suitor to offer a multi-year extension at a lower annual number if he were willing to bypass the $56.6 million option.

That is exactly what is expected to happen with Young and the Wizards this offseason: Washington signing him to a multi-year extension at a lesser annual number after Young declines his $49 million player option.”

Paul George trade buzz emerges amid 76ers offseason uncertainty

George completed the second season of his four-year, $211.5 million contract with Philadelphia and remains one of the league’s more accomplished two-way wings when healthy. During the regular season, he averaged 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.7 steals while shooting 43.9% from the field and 39.2% from three-point range across 37 games.

His season also included a 25-game suspension for a banned substance, though he returned strongly during the postseason. Across 11 playoff games, George averaged 16.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, three assists and 1.3 steals while shooting 45.8% from the field and an efficient 49.2% from deep in 35.8 minutes per contest.

Fischer noted that George’s postseason shooting and veteran skill set could increase interest around the league if Philadelphia becomes open to discussions.

“George just bounced back from a 25-game suspension for a banned substance during the regular season to shoot 49.2% from deep in the postseason. If the cost is Young-like — Atlanta, remember, settled for two team-friendly contracts (CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert) and no draft compensation in that trade — it gets easier to picture teams showing interest in George and the shooting/creating/wing defense he can still provide.”

With Myers now helping guide the organization through a transitional period, the 76ers are expected to evaluate multiple roster pathways as they attempt to reshape a contender around Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid moving forward.

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