The Philadelphia 76ers would be wise to explore a potential trade that centers around Paul George and Lauri Markkanen. It's a possibility that was thoroughly discussed by analysts and fans alike ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, but ultimately failed to materialize.
George for Markkanen could potentially be revisited, however, if the 76ers are willing to include the 2028 first-round draft pick and 2029 pick swap they received from the LA Clippers—and thus, the agony begins.
Utah has embarked upon a fascinating journey that's led it to some of the most promising young players in the NBA. Incoming rookie Ace Bailey is already turning heads in preseason action, Kyle Filipowski is a dynamic big with a wing-like skill set, and Walker Kessler is a coveted rim protector.
Utah also has a surplus of under-the-radar players with youth and talent, including playmakers Isaiah Collier and Keyonte George, defensive ace Taylor Hendricks, and sharpshooter Brice Sensabaugh.
The question facing Utah that may ultimately lead them to considering a trade is whether or not Markkanen fits a core of 25-and-under players. If they decide to go all-in on emphasizing the youth and supporting them with future picks and the ideal veterans, George could be a prized target—particularly due to his potential value as a mentor to Bailey.
The question facing the 76ers is simple: Would adding Markkanen and shedding George's salary be worth two of their most valuable draft assets?
Paul George + picks for Lauri Markkanen a viable, risky blockbuster trade
Markkanen is an undeniably talented player, capable of producing and executing at a level players his size rarely do. Standing at 7'0", he has the ability to shoot the lights out, take opponents off the bounce from the perimeter, and balance post proficiency with his wing-like tendencies.
Markkanen reached his peak in 2022-23, averaging 25.6 points and 3.0 three-point field goals made on .499/.391/.875 shooting en route to the Most improved Player award.
Markkanen, who was also an All-Star in 2023, turned in another star-caliber season in 2023-24. He averaged 23.2 points and 3.2 three-point field goals made on .480/.399/.899 shooting, thus adding to his reputation as a big man with realistic dreams of joining the 50-40-90 club.
Unfortunately, the explanation for why the 76ers might not trade for Markkanen is the same as why the Jazz might give him up: He's dealt with the same availability issues as Philadelphia's current core players.
Why the 76ers might shy away from targeting Lauri Markkanen
Markkanen missed 35 games in 2024-25, which is an instant red flag to consider. Unfortunately, it was a continuation of a trend that's been developing throughout his career—and has now marred his first three seasons with the Jazz.
Markkanen missed 27 games in 2023-24, and while he was generally healthy during his breakout season in 2022-23, he was still absent from 16 outings.
Unfortunately, it doesn't appear as though his recent issues with injuries can be written off as isolated incidents. He missed 21 games in both 2020-21 and 2021-22, 15 in the COVID-shortened 2019-20 season, and 30 in 2018-19.
For a 76ers team that's dealing with a rush of injuries to key players such as Embiid, George, and Jared McCain already, adding another player with a history of absences may not be the best idea.
Is the risk really worth it?
It may seem as though shying away from Markkanen is the right idea, but there is a valid reason to consider this risky endeavor. By swapping George for Markkanen, Philadelphia would be saving a relatively noteworthy amount of money over the next two seasons.
Markkanen will make a hefty salary himself, but will receive $5,271,990 less than George in 2025-26 and $8,013,226 less in 2026-27.
That alone could appeal to a 76ers team that appears eager to save enough money to create flexibility during the 2026 period of free agency and avoid apron penalties. The important caveat to note, however, is that George has a player option for the 2027-28 season, while Markkanen is fully guaranteed through 2028-29.
As such, it could be a matter of taking on one, if not two additional seasons of a salary that will exceed an average of $50 million per season.
That's the foundation upon which this debate will be held. If the Jazz are open to a trade, the 76ers could add a younger player who will be paid less over the next two seasons. The flip side, however, is that they'll be bringing in a star with an extensive injury history and four full seasons on his contract.
It's a risky trade possibility that the 76ers must explore thoroughly, but due to the painful price it'd cost them, it may be better to avoid it entirely.