With the 2025 NBA Draft still a month away, the Philadelphia 76ers continue to have an idle presence. For now, the front office cannot help but simply conduct multiple rounds of due diligence on their draft targets. Meanwhile, fans remain tethered to their screens, rooting for whichever team they think would give the fanbase the least collateral flak possible.
The 2025 NBA Playoffs is down to its final four teams. However, despite most people expecting both Conference Finals series to be as tight-knit as possible, two teams already look like heavy favorites to make it to the biggest stage.
Oklahoma City and Indiana are leading in their respective series over Minnesota and New York, 2-0. The Thunder have fondled the Timberwolves like a toy on their home turf, while the Pacers snatched the hearts of Knicks fans with two, close dubs as they head to their home court.
Both teams seem poised to duke it out to snag their first championship in franchise history — yes, we are not counting Seattle’s title in favor of OKC. But for the 76ers, both squads showed something they should emulate as soon as possible.
76ers get a strong hint on how to get back in the championship race thanks to the Pacers and Thunder
As some people on social media pointed out, both Indiana and Oklahoma City were heavily built on the remnants of trading Paul George. The nine-time All-Star first suited up for the Pacers, who eventually traded him for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis, while the Thunder famously got a historic haul when they sent George to the Clippers.
The Pacers, of course, turned Sabonis into Tyrese Haliburton, who has transformed the franchise into a contender for years to come. Even more prominently, OKC got this season’s Most Valuable Player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, thanks to George.
Not to make the mistake of false equivalence, but the 76ers should seriously contemplate abandoning its rumored plot not to take action on the George train. Obviously, Philly will no longer be able to snag a potentially transformative young talent even if they do move the All-Star, but given his salary, the front office can sweeten the pot and make him even more appealing for desperate buyers.
The 76ers clearly made a mistake when they handed George that max deal last year, but thanks to his down season being barred by asterisks — sufficient to color teams optimistic about a quick resurgence — there should still be a world out there where they do manage to get a significant return for his services via trade.
There is still a ton of time for the Philadelphia 76ers to move the needle. But clearly, they cannot just sit on this vital Paul George dilemma. Otherwise, they could find themselves missing out on a huge what-if, unlike Indiana and OKC.