Missing the playoffs would not be so bad for the Philadelphia 76ers under injury-filled circumstances, but that’s is only in hindsight. But aside from such a moot and academic discourse in retrospect, what made the 2024-25 season more icky for the franchise is the fact that they spent a fortune building a roster that already looks like it’s on a downhill trend.
The ominous Joel Embiid situation aside, the Paul George addition has turned out to be a textbook manifestation of shortsightedness on the part of the 76ers. The front office signed him to a maximum deal last summer, and just a year later, he is already pegged as having one of, if not the worst contract in the entire association.
Now 35 years old and without much bounce as he used to, George is starting to strongly feel the effects of Father Time. Hence, even if he manages to stay injury-free next season, it would be too optimistic — and perhaps evading reason — to expect him to revert to his old, All-NBA level self.
Even just a season in, many already want the team to trade him. And honestly, can you blame them?
The 76ers have a golden opportunity to trade Paul George thanks to Cam Johnson and the Nets
Problem is, is there really a team out there who can willingly fathom trading for three more years of George in his current state? The answer to that has been a resounding “probably, not” for quite some time now, but thanks to a recent development, that inquiry could finally spawn a response in the affirmative.
According to New York Post’s Brian Lewis, the Brooklyn Nets are looking to move Cam Johnson ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, reportedly seeking a draft capital, whether this year or in the future, as part of a potential consolidation deal.
The Nets own four first-round picks this year, and as can be inferred from that fact, they seem to be eyeing a jump into the lottery or to acquire some more draft capital for the future in exchange for Johnson. That, in addition to the boatload of cap space they have this year, makes them a perfect trading partner for the 76ers when it comes to George.
Brooklyn will not have much use for George aside from empty numbers and whatnot, but if they will be willing to absorb his contract, the 76ers will only have to pay a small price, such as one of their heavily protected first-rounders in the near future. Even better, Johnson will be more than just a salary filler as he is a very capable forward who fills two pressing needs for the team: size at forward and three-point shooting.
A lot of teams will be bidding to acquire Cam Johnson, but even if the Philadelphia 76ers are only viewing his addition as a collateral effect, if it means parting with Paul George earlier than expected, they must do whatever it takes to cudgel Brooklyn into a trade as loing as they do not suddenly demand anything unreasonable.