As the Philadelphia 76ers face difficult decisions this offseason, the trade value of their star players is coming under scrutiny. While Joel Embiid’s injury history and contract structure make him one of the toughest stars to trade in the league, Paul George’s value has been steadily rebuilding, positioning him as the more moveable piece should the 76ers choose to rebuild around younger talents like Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.
Multiple rival executives have pointed to Embiid’s persistent availability issues as a major challenge in structuring a trade. His long-term injury concerns, combined with his massive contract extension, make any serious trade effort extremely difficult to execute. As a result, no significant moves involving Embiid are expected this offseason, even as the team retools its front office following the departure of Daryl Morey.
In contrast, Paul George’s trade prospects are looking brighter. At 36 years old, George has a $54.1 million guaranteed contract for the 2026-27 season, with a player option worth $56.6 million for 2027-28. This structure allows potential suitors to offer a multi-year extension at a lower annual value if George decides to bypass the option year. The flexibility of his contract makes him a more attractive target for teams looking to add a proven star without the long-term commitment that comes with Embiid’s deal.
George has also shown that he can still contribute at a high level, particularly in the postseason. After serving a 25-game suspension for a banned substance, George shot an impressive 49.2% from three-point range, demonstrating that his shooting, playmaking, and wing defense still hold significant value for a contending team.
In terms of trade market comparison, the Trae Young deal has set a potential pricing benchmark. When the Atlanta Hawks traded for Young, they received team-friendly contracts like CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, without draft compensation. If George’s price tag falls in a similar range, the pool of interested teams could expand significantly.
Several executives have highlighted that Embiid’s three-year, $188 million extension, which kicks in next season, was seen internally as one of the major front-office errors under Morey’s leadership. This extension, structured to secure George’s commitment in 2024, has now left the 76ers with two complex contracts and little to show for the limited postseason success they’ve achieved.
As the 76ers move forward, it appears that while Embiid’s future in Philadelphia remains uncertain, Paul George has become the more realistic option for teams interested in reshaping their rosters.
