In a surprising development ahead of the NBA offseason, the Utah Jazz and Philadelphia 76ers have reportedly engaged in trade discussions that would send All-Star forward Paul George to Salt Lake City. The potential blockbuster deal could shake up the landscape of the Western Conference and signal a major shift in strategy for both franchises.
Sources close to the situation say the talks are still in the exploratory phase, but the interest from both sides is considered serious. Utah, seeking to accelerate its rebuild and return to playoff contention, views George as the kind of veteran star who can anchor a young core and elevate the franchise into the upper tier of the West. Meanwhile, Philadelphia, coming off another disappointing postseason exit, may be open to reshaping its roster around reigning MVP Joel Embiid and rising star Tyrese Maxey.
Paul George, 34, is entering the final year of his contract if he opts in to his $48.8 million player option, though he could also become an unrestricted free agent this summer. That uncertainty adds a layer of complexity to any potential trade. However, Utah reportedly believes it could either convince George to opt in and stay long-term or sign him to a new deal as part of the trade framework.
For the Jazz, acquiring George would represent a dramatic step toward competing now rather than continuing a patient rebuild. The team has young talents like Keyonte George, Walker Kessler, and Taylor Hendricks, along with a war chest of draft picks, including several first-rounders from previous trades involving Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. Packaging a combination of picks, young assets, and possibly salary fillers could be enough to entice Philadelphia to part ways with the veteran forward.
From Philadelphia’s perspective, the move could allow them to gain more flexibility and reset their roster while still staying competitive. The 76ers are expected to be aggressive in free agency and the trade market this summer, with significant cap space and a desire to add shooting and perimeter defense around Embiid. Trading George — potentially a sign-and-trade if he opts out — could return key rotational players and future draft capital, while also giving the team more maneuverability under the new collective bargaining rules.
George, an eight-time All-Star and one of the league’s most respected two-way players, averaged
