Entering the 2026 NBA Playoffs, the general consensus appeared to be that the Philadelphia 76ers needed to make fairly drastic changes. Joel Embiid and Paul George endured injury-plagued campaigns for a second consecutive season, and VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey broke out in their stead.
With Edgecombe and Maxey representing the future, George seemed destined to be traded. If he steps up in Game 7, however, he'd effectively secure another season in Philadelphia.
George missed 41 games during the 2024-25 season and was sidelined for 45 in 2025-26. Though a 25-game suspension played a part the latter figure, he had already missed time due to injury and hadn't exactly played up to the potential of his $51,666,090 salary when available.
With $54,126,380 owed to him in 2026-27 and a $56,586,670 player option for the 2027-28 season, it seemed all but guaranteed that the 76ers would search for ways to shed his salary.
What the 2026 NBA Playoffs have proven, however, is that George is still capable of star-caliber performances. He's shot the lights out from beyond the arc, defended at an exceptionally high level, and looked the part of the all-around star he's long been known to be.
With Game 7 looming, however, a final verdict will likely be made about his future with the 76ers. If George helps Philadelphia stun the Boston Celtics, he'll likely be back in 2026-27.
76ers star Paul George can silence trade speculation in Game 7
George was massive during Game 2, posting 19 points, four rebounds, three assists, one block, and one steal on 7-of-13 shooting. He continued to play well throughout, but Philadelphia appeared outmatched. Thankfully, he stepped up with 16 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, and two steals to help the 76ers keep their season alive in Game 5.
George then came through with a pivotal 23 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block to help the 76ers stave off elimination once more and force a Game 7.
That's a promising sign of what this team is capable of when healthy. Unfortunately, the only way to quiet the concerns over how inconsistently this team has been available is for the results to justify the investment in further patience.
The one and only way to achieve that colossal feat would be to defeat the Celtics in Game 7 and advance to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2023.
There would still be reason to second guess George's future if the 76ers lose in the second round, but he'd certainly silence trade speculation for the time being by simply getting there. Barring a catastrophically poor performance in Round 2, it would at least be less of a priority to move him than it currently is.
Just when it seemed like attempting to trade George was the 76ers' only option, he's turned the narrative on its head with a massive postseason.
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