The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly interested in escaping from Paul George’s contract after just one season.
In an appearance on the “Locked On Jazz” podcast, Andy Larsen of the Salt Lake Tribune reported that the 76ers have reached out to teams about potentially trading down in the NBA Draft. The price for interested teams, including the Utah Jazz, would be to take on George’s contract.
“I do think it’s true that the Philadelphia 76ers are interested in trading down to No. 5, potentially, if they can get off the Paul George deal,” Larsen said, via Harrison Grimm of Liberty Ballers. “I don’t think necessarily that may not make sense for the Jazz given how long that contract is and how iffy Paul George was. I don’t think the Jazz are going to take that offer. But I do think that’s an offer that’s been presented.”
George is still owed $160 million over the next three years, and the 76ers think he might not be worth that. He battled numerous injuries throughout his first season with Philadelphia, and was not even terribly effective when healthy. In just 41 games, he averaged 16.2 points per game, his lowest full-season total since his second NBA campaign in 2011-12.
The Sixers made George their top priority in free agency last season, but the team fell flat and George underperformed. They may not be able to get off that contract, but they at least seem willing to try.
