Paul George proved throughout the Philadelphia 76ers' postseason campaign that this 'old timer' can still contribute positively to an ambitious franchise. The team could hold onto hope that George will carry this momentum into next season, but there is always another option. They should view this as an opportunity to put the veteran in the shop window, as his stock may never be this high again.
There will never be a better time to trade George
While Paul George still has a two-year, $110,713,050 contract with Philadelphia, from a performance standpoint, the versatile forward has never looked better in a 76ers jersey. After serving a 25-game suspension for breaching the NBA's anti-drug policy, George returned to the floor with a chip on his shoulder -- especially during the Sixers' playoff stint.
Despite being considered the 76ers' third offensive option, the 36-year-old was arguably the team's most effective player on the floor during the postseason. Over 11 appearances, George averaged 16.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, three assists, and 1.3 steals per game, while shooting 45.8% from the floor and hitting 49.3% of his shots from deep.
Immediately, this opens the market up for George's signature. Not only has the veteran proved he is still highly efficient from the field, but he is doing so from a less prominent role in the offensive game plan. Now, his potential suitors do not need to be looking for the face of the franchise; it could be a championship contender who is one piece of the puzzle away from making a serious title run.
Draft capital should be the main focus of any potential trade
If a front office decides that Paul George is the exact player they need to make the next step as a franchise, then Mike Gansey and the 76ers must prioritise draft capital as compensation to build for the future.
The Joel Embiid era in Philadelphia is coming closer to an end with each passing year. When that dreaded moment arrives, the Sixers cannot afford to be stuck in a vicious cycle of mediocrity and waste Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe's prime years. Shrewdly constructing roster depth with younger but capable prospects would make this transition run more smoothly.
However, the difficult decision is how to handle the picks they potentially would accrue from any Paul George trade. The likelihood of landing any top-tier first-round picks is slim, so identifying the correct areas to address is crucial to perfecting this process.
Naturally, the first port of call must be an athletic understudy who is capable of filling the gaping void Embiid will leave behind. Additionally, a George replacement and a secondary ball-handler to relieve the playmaking burden that has been placed upon Tyrese Maxey in recent years would benefit both the player and the franchise.
Shifting Paul George from the wage bill was always going to be a tough ask after he signed his inflated contract. Nevertheless, the veteran's outstanding playoff performances have undoubtedly raised his value, so if the Philadelphia 76ers do want to pivot on the George vision, there has never been a better opportunity.
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