The Los Angeles Lakers would acquire Paul George from the Philadelphia 76ers in a proposed trade also involving the Chicago Bulls.
The Philadelphia 76ers went out and got themselves the biggest name available in the offseason when they signed Paul George to a four-year, $212 million contract.
It was supposed to be the move that turned them into genuine Championship contenders.
Halfway through the season, they look like the farthest thing. The Sixers are 15-26. George has had his fair share of injury problems and featured in 27 games.
Unfortunately for the 76ers, he is arguably having the worst season of his career right now. George is averaging 17.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists while shooting just 42.3% from the field.
He has made more headlines for things he has said on his podcast rather than his performances on the court. That is never good news if you are hoping to compete for the Championship.
This is not the George that Philly fans would have been hoping for when the Sixers signed him and many have given up already. So, it is time to part ways?
On Newsweek, Matt Levine proposed a three-team that would see the Los Angeles Lakers acquire George and a 2028 second-round draft pick while the 76ers would get Zach LaVine, Jarred Vanderbilt, and a top-10 protected 2029 first-round draft pick.
The Chicago Bulls, the third team, would receive Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Max Christie, Kenyon Martin Jr., Jalen Hood-Schifino, and a 2027 second-round draft pick.
The Lakers would be giving up quite a bit to make such a trade happen but it would be a roll of the dice for them as they seek to maximize LeBron James’ remaining years on the court.
As for the 76ers, it would be about getting George’s contract off the books but in doing so, they would be acquiring LaVine.
The Bulls superstar is playing at an All-Star this season though and would help a faltering Sixers offense.
Finally, the Bulls seem to be aiming for a rebuild and such a trade might give them the chance to just to do.
This is probably the best return they can hope to get out of LaVine’s exit right now despite his impressive season so far.
