Paul George Throws Joel Embiid Under the Bus as 76ers Prepares for 2 Trade Offers Including Kevin Durant

Seven years in the East, seven years in the West, and back to the East again. Paul George’s career trajectory has been nothing but glorious. A 9x NBA All-Star and one of the finest point guards to ever tread through the league. However, moving to Philadelphia in the summer of 2024 didn’t work out the way he would’ve wanted. Personal injuries and a Joel Embiid-less 76ers hurt the dreams that he was seeing.

So now that the Sixers are relishing a prolonged offseason after a disastrous 24-38 run this season, PG-13 (or shall we say, PG-8?) has an honest confession. Sitting with Gillie and Wallo of Million Dollaz Worth of Game in the latest edition of Podcast P, the 35-year-old veteran took a subtle jab at Embiid. “The Philly fans can be rough on you. I was cool with it. You know what I mean? Because it, again, at the end of the day, it’s an expectation that they hold, and I respect that,” Paul George said.

“I’m not one who’s gonna shy away from that. I want that heat. You know what I mean? I want that pressure. So it just was unfortunate that, like, man, I can’t give ’em everything I got because just my body ain’t where it’s supposed to be right now,” PG shared. “On top of that, you know, I need Big Fella. And so it did, you know, kinda suck sometimes. Big Fella wasn’t available for us. But I can only speak on myself because I know Big Fella, you know, the way he plays— his body, his physicality— yeah. But come on, man. It’s gonna take a toll on me.”

Nov 2, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Injured Philadelphia 76ers Paul George (R) and Joel Embiid (L) look on during the first quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The ‘Big Fella’ in conversation is none other than Joel Embiid, of course. Well, George had his share of knee troubles this season. He was on and off the court until, in March, the team announced that he’d be out for at least 6 weeks. Thus ending his first season with the Philadelphia 76ers on a sad note. PG played 41 games compared to Embiid’s 19. Therefore, when he said that “Big Fella wasn’t available for us,” his pain was palpable.

Paul George embraced accountability and leadership in Philly, promising to carry the weight of the culture reset. Stepping into a new environment far from his West Coast roots, he admitted it was tough adjusting. “Coming into a new team— obviously Joel, he’s the guy. He is the number one. So, just learning the landscape here.” Yet, he took full ownership, reflecting on missed chances and learning curves. Now, he’s locked in, determined to restore pride and unity in the locker room. “I do know— and I have learned— what I need to go and do going forward. How do I need to bend or amend these bonds so that we are, to your point, a team? More than anything, like whether we win, lose, we need to be a team for all of that,” PG confessed.

Despite early hurdles, George’s mindset has shifted. He understands what this team truly needs — connection, trust, and relentless effort. “We’re turning this s— around here,” he promised. With Joel Embiid as the centerpiece and young talents surrounding them, he aims to bridge the gaps. As the veteran voice, he’s pledging growth. But now, a major plot twist awaits as the offseason demands trades from teams.

A major trade rumor could bring Kevin Durant & another star, as Paul George could find his way out of the 76ers

Paul George is signed for 4 years and $211 million with the 76ers. However, given his disheartening performance this season, many fans have demanded a trade. And so, as the NBA is running in the final laps this year, some rumors are getting louder. Among them is Kevin Durant‘s way out of the Phoenix Suns and Lauri Markkanen’s shift from the Utah Jazz. Moreover, reports say that Philly could aim for these stars.

ESPN’s Jeremy Woo reported: “Some teams expect the Sixers to be active in trade conversations, with names such as Kevin Durant(Phoenix) and Lauri Markkanen (Utah) as potential targets in packages that could include Paul George and the No. 3 pick.” This simply means that the Philadelphia 76ers could consider trading Paul George and their No.3 draft pick of 2025 to bring the veteran forward KD and the 27-year-old forward Lauri Markkanen. If the trade truly happens, would they fill the void Joel Embiid has left the team with in his absence? Well, only time could tell.

 

The Sixers could target Kevin Durant or Lauri Markkanen with a package that includes Paul George and the No. 3 pick, per @JeremyWoo & @DraftExpress

“Some teams expect the Sixers to be active in trade conversations, with names such as Kevin Durant(Phoenix) and Lauri Markkanen… pic.twitter.com/JpQ5s7bSVx

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 19, 2025

A storm brews quietly in Philadelphia. Paul George came seeking a legacy but found lessons instead. Now, with trade whispers growing louder and stars like Durant and Markkanen on the radar, the city stands at a crossroads. The heartbreak may still linger, but so does hope. Because in the game of redemption, every offseason writes a new script.

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