NBA Trade Rumors: League’s New Shaq & $212 Million Tempt Could Force Paul George to Betray Kawhi Leonard

The ride was bumpy and uneasy for the Philadelphia 76ers this season. Once on pace to hit 60+ wins, a meniscus injury to their star player Joel Embiid derailed their entire season. He returned during the playoffs, however Embiid was visibly in discomfort and couldn’t perform to his usual standards. It led to another early exit, the seventh straight season it has happened with the Sixers. Likewise, a cloud of urgency began looming over the organization.

They had several standouts this season, Tyrese Maxey became an All-Star, Kelly Oubre realized his elite shooting and Embiid performed beyond his previous MVP season. Yet, there was something missing. It was the void of another scorer who could accent the abilities of the dominating center. With a roster spot open, rumors are swirling about the Sixers making a trade for Paul George.

George just played out his last season with the Clippers. There is a widespread belief that the California franchise won’t offer him the $221 million max extension during the offseason. This opens the doors for a trade back to the East for PG13. But does he want to have an experience playing with Embiid? He has never been vocal about his intentions. But back in January, his extreme ‘Shaq’ praise for Embiid could reverberate those sentiments.

An X user posted a video of the perennial All-Star forward naming Embiid as the rightful version of the modern-day Shaq. “There’s nobody we can put on Shaq. Bro there is nobody you can put on Joel. You put a big on him, he’s going to go round him. You put a small on him, he is going to punish him. He plays the big spot how a big is supposed to play. He’s got it all!”, the Clippers forward said awestruck by the talents of Joel Embiid.

The Sixers dilemma to sign Paul George

Paul George is among the pantheon of modern-day greats of the NBA. The two-way slashing forward is still capable of being a productive component on a championship team. His scoring might be as consistent at 34, but George has proven he can co-exist with stars. Be it MVP Russell Westbrook or Kawhi Leonard, PG13 is flexible and adapts to the number-one star amazingly well.

While playing second fiddle isn’t a problem, there is one troubling predicament for Daryl Morey. George isn’t as explosive or athletic as he was when 24. With PG13 nearing the twilight of his career, the Sixers are compelled to consider his age. At 34, the franchise can’t expect to have four great production years of Paul George.

They have a few years window with Embiid also 30. The question is, is George the missing piece that helps them ascend over their playoff failures? His workload will be significantly less compared to his role with the Clippers due to the rise of Maxey, who has become a multi-dimensional scorer and an All-Star talent.

George’s defensive prowess and steady flow of buckets could finally bind the Sixers together. The asking price however stands at a four-year $212 million contract offer for the two-way forward. Can his versatility convince the Sixers to splash their money? And is the prospect of playing with an MVP-level talent enough to lure George out of his hometown?