76ers Exploring Trade to Offload Paul George’s $211M Contract

The Philadelphia 76ers may already be regretting their blockbuster move for Paul George. Last summer, they handed the 35-year-old a four-year, $211.5 million contract in hopes of building a title contender alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Instead, George’s first year has been a disappointment. 

He played only half the season’s games and averaged 16.2 points, his lowest scoring output since 2014-15, while shooting 43% from the field and 35.8% from deep. With $162 million still owed, his contract is quickly becoming one of the league’s worst. Reports suggest a possible escape route: trading George to the Memphis Grizzlies for a package of role players and a draft pick. Philadelphia would lose star power but gain much-needed flexibility before George’s deal further limits their future options.