The Philadelphia 76ers once again failed in the NBA playoffs, but there was one bright spot. Paul George showed that he can still play at a high level. His contract was once deemed immovable, but his defense and three-point shooting could now turn him into someone a near-contending team would love to have.
The Detroit Pistons are a team that will be loaded up with cap space and movable contracts. George would fit as a secondary ball-handler to Cade Cunningham and add more three-point shooting to their starting lineup. The package going back to Philadelphia would include the contracts of Isaiah Stewart, Duncan Robinson, and Caris LeVert. Any picks involved would likely be limited, but the framework is there. The 76ers would get much-needed depth without George’s huge contract.
The Golden State Warriors are one of the better fits for George. The injury to Jimmy Butler makes a perfect match in contracts, and the 11th pick in the draft could be involved in the swap. The Warriors would get someone who could play this season and extend the Stephen Curry window. Butler would return to Philadelphia as a fan favorite, along with the 11th pick, which would give the 76ers depth until Butler returns, and add some youth to the rotation.
The Miami Heat are an interesting team in this situation. They will come up whenever a big name is available, and George is still included in that grouping. This would only be an option if they fail at getting any other star player, making this a last resort play. They wouldn’t have to give up many of their big assets, just match the contracts with salary, and it should work out.
George has a contract that Philadelphia would love to move to add depth to the roster. His success after his return from suspension made this a feasible idea. He has just two years remaining on his deal, making teams close to contending willing to give up assets in return.
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