Image Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The Philadelphia 76ers will now stick with Paul George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey after their attempt to trade George failed. There were reports that the franchise attempted a trade of the nine-time NBA All-Star to the Utah Jazz. However, the talks eventually broke down and now, NBA Insider Mark Stein revealed the 76ers’ plan going forward. According to reports, the team will give another chance to their trio of George, Embiid and Maxey to win an NBA championship.
Stein reported, “By simply staying at No. 3, Philadelphia would introduce an $11.1 million salary onto its books for 2025-26. So the Sixers expect to operate near (or maybe even above) the second apron for this upcoming campaign, sources say, as they prepare to give Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey another shot to try to contend for a championship after they managed to appear in just 15 games (7-8) together this season.”
George, 35, signed a four-year contract worth $212 million with the 76ers in July 2024, after he opted out of his player option with the Clippers. With having the star trio, the franchise was expected to be a contender for the 2025 NBA championship. However, fate had other plans and the former Pacers’ star suffered multiple injuries. He played only 41 games in the 2024-25 season and finished with a disappointing average of 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game.
The 76ers dealt with numerous injuries throughout the season including that of Joel Embiid. Embiid dealt with a knee injury and could only lace up in 19 games. As a result, they finished on the 13th spot in the Eastern Conference with a below-par record of 24 wins and 58 defeats.
How Should the Philadelphia 76ers Approach 2025-26 Season?
The Philadelphia 76ers, who last won their NBA Championship in 1983, had a disappointing 2024-25 season. Having finished in the 13th spot, the 76ers have No.3 and No. 35 picks in the NBA Draft 2025. Needless to say, they would aim to land an impact player, and for that, they have reportedly been in talks with the San Antonio Spurs about trading up to the second overall pick, Dylan Harper. In case they remain at No.3, they would most likely end up with names like Ace Bailey or VJ Edgecombe.
They could also plan to get down a few spots and acquire a young player as well as a veteran to back him up. However, none of it would matter if Joel Embiid isn’t healthy. Without Embiid on their roster, they wouldn’t be able to compete with teams such as the Indiana Pacers, the New York Knicks, or even the Detroit Pistons and the Orlando Magic.
The new player that the 76ers would acquire in the Draft would take time to make a mark for himself, and they also lack a salary cap to hire a big name, since they have committed $144.7 million to the trio of Embiid, George and Maxey.
While George has three years and $162.3 million left on his free agent deal, Embiid has four years and $248.1 million left on his contract. With an unmovable contract, Philadelphia should hope for the 2023 NBA MVP’s quick recovery following his arthroscopic surgery on left knee on April 9.