Paul George didn’t have a good first season with the Philadelphia 76ers, hampered by various injuries. The latest NBA trade rumors suggest that the Utah Jazz are linked with George, who is entering the second year of a whopping $212 million contract.
According to The Salt Lake Tribune’s Andy Larsen, the Jazz had some discussions with the Sixers regarding a potential trade for George. It involved Philly trying to trade down from the third pick to the fifth, though Larsen thought it might not be something Utah would be interested in.
“I do think it’s true that the Philadelphia 76ers are interested in trading down to number five, potentially if they can get off the Paul George deal and that contract,” Larsen said on the ‘Locked On Jazz’ podcast. “I don’t think necessarily that may not make a lot of 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 has been presented.”
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Andy Larsen added that the Utah Jazz could be more interested in a possible Walker Kessler deal to the LA Lakers and Collin Sexton to the Dallas Mavericks. Nevertheless, Larsen clarified on X, formerly known as Twitter, that there have been discussions, but there are no signs that it could get serious.
The Jazz, who are valued at $3.55 billion, missed out on the number one pick despite having the best odds of winning the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes. They are in rebuilding mode and could be heading to another tough season, with several players linked to many NBA trade rumors.
As for the Philadelphia 76ers, injuries ravaged the roster so much that it's hard to gauge if they could have been successful. Paul George averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists in his first season in Philly, playing in just 41 games.
Paul George opens up about injury-riddled debut season with the Sixers
In an episode of "Podcast P with Paul George" last month, PG opened up about dealing with injuries in his first season with the Philadelphia 76ers.
"The most frustrating thing about the last season was obviously, I came in, I was healthy, no hiccups," George said. "I spent the whole offseason working on my body, and then I get to Philly, preseason, I get hurt. And from that point on, I didn't give it full time to heal."
George added that there was a lingering feeling all season long, which turned out to be an adductor injury that needed surgery.
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