Grade the Trade: 76ers land superstar forward in mock offseason blockbuster

Why the 76ers should trade for Paul George

There’s almost no better star to pair next to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey than Paul George. Easily the prototypical modern NBA forward, the nine-time All-Star is one of the most versatile players in the league, capable of playing both forward positions and at shooting guard at a high level while being a viable defender against nearly anyone.

Part and parcel of what makes George such an enticing hypothetical addition to the 76ers (or really, any team for that matter) is his easy-to-incorporate skill set. His efficient volume shooting makes him the ultimate floor spacer possible, though he could easily shoulder the scoring load on the primary while also guarding the best opposing player.

Adding George would also be an instant jumpstart for Philly in light of the anticipated mass exodus of their rotation forwards in Harris, Nic Batum, Robert Covington, and KJ Martin. While one man won’t be enough, the 76ers still have the ammo to seek help in that department.

The 76ers have little reason to inhibit any of their win-now tendencies, especially with Joel Embiid still playing at an MVP-level when healthy and Tyrese Maxey emerging as an All-Star. The price of three first-round picks, especially with one of them on the Clippers’ initial shelf anyway, is just apt, if not a discount considering the macerated value of first-round picks in recent years.

Grade: A+