76ers start George s deal! The four next players are exposed, and the Sun Nets become potential buyers

The Philadelphia 76ers completely failed in the 2024-25 season - the three big-name Embiid, Maxi and Paul George, which cost $212 million for four years, finally ranked 13th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 24 wins and 58 losses, and missed the playoffs. George, 35, played only 41 games due to injury, averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game, and hit a career low of 43%. His remaining three-year contract of $160 million has become a huge burden. Faced with public pressure, the 76ers management is promoting the transaction, and the US media has proposed four major plans, but each transaction requires Philadelphia to pay an additional price.

1. Core logic of potential trading plan

1. Nets plan: Young assets force 76 people to bleed

76 people send: Paul George + 1 to 2 first round picks

Nets send: Cameron Johnson + Clarkston + 2 round picks

Key points: Johnson (3D forward) and Clarkston (defensive center) are both less than 26 years old, and the cost-effectiveness is far better than George. The premise for the Nets to take over the contract is that the 76ers compensate for the high pick.

2. Sun Plan: Poison contract swap

76 people sent: Paul George + 2029 second round pick

Sun sent: Bradley Bill

Key Obstacle: Bill has the right to veto the transaction, and the contract is one year longer than George (207 million in 4 years). Both sides want to get rid of high-paying and inefficient star - Bill averaged 17.6 points per game this season, and the Suns ranked 10th in the West.

3. Nuggets plan: risk transfer

76ers sent: Paul George + 2030 first round pick

Nuggets sent: Michael Porter Jr. + Najib + Sharicic

Controversial point: Although Porter Jr. is often injured (attendance rate this season 62%), he is 27 years old and averages 18+ points per game, still better than George. If the Nuggets trade Porter, it is more likely to exchange young assets than veterans.

4. Jazz Plan: Draft blackmail

76ers sent: Paul George + Top Five Protection First Round Pick

Jazz sent: Clarkson + John Collins

Realistic Problem: The Jazz in Reconstruction is low in interest in 35-year-old George. Clarkson (average 17 points per game) has a shorter contract with Collins (double-double inside) and is suitable for young people unless the 76ers give high-value first-round picks (such as the top five picks in 2028).

2, 76ers' triple dilemma

First, George's value fell to a low point. This season, the real plus or negative value ranked 42nd in small forwards, with defensive efficiency in the middle and lower reaches of the league. If the annual salary exceeds 50 million but contributes the player data, the takeover party will inevitably ask for compensation.

Second, the player's veto power becomes a hidden danger. Target players such as Bill can refuse the transaction. If you are worried about Enbiid's injury or tactical status, the transaction will fail directly.

Third, salary locks in the future. George + Harris + Embiid's salary will reach 140 million next quarter, exceeding the salary cap by 20%. If no transaction is made, the pressure on luxury taxes will increase sharply after Maxi renews his contract.

3. Game end prediction

The best choice for the 76ers is to use George plus 1 first round to fight the star (such as Bill), or to replace it with a short-term contract and draft pick to completely rebuild it. If it fails, George stays in the team and will cause conflicts in the locker room, and Embiid may also apply to leave the team.

And the Suns, Nets and other takeovers need to weigh George's surplus value: his playoff experience (104 games) and occasionally exploded offensive and defensive abilities may become a puzzle for the championship - the premise is to accept the reality that he can only play 20 good goals.

> The essence of trading is a stop loss competition: 76ers are eager to get rid of the 160 million burden, while the team wants to squeeze out the draft picks - there is no winner in this game.