The Philadelphia 76ers will soon enter a crucial 2025-26 season. Last season was marred by a number of injuries, particularly among their top stars.
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The 76ers were arguably the most disappointing team last season, and this season, they’ll look to flip the switch. If healthy, no one would be surprised if the 76ers are among the top teams in the lowly Eastern Conference.
That is a big “if”. Nonetheless, the 76ers could surprise a ton of people. The 76ers, led by superstars Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and Paul George, have only played 15 games together. Their fit together is to be determined, but this latest trade proposal suggests that they should break up that trio already.
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed a massive trade idea that would ship out George and see the 76ers acquire All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen.
“Philadelphia 76ers receive: Lauri Markkanen
“Utah Jazz receive: Paul George, a 2028 first-round pick (via LAC), a 2028 second-round pick (via GSW) and a 2030 second-round pick (via WAS)”
“With any kind of good fortune on the health front, a big three built around Embiid, Maxey and Markkanen should be a contender in this season’s watered-down East,” Buckley wrote. “And while that’s probably true with George, too, Markkanen would give Philly a longer runway and relieve some of the win-right-now pressure on its current core.”
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This current version of the 76ers trio has been a disappointment. If things were bad last season, it appears that the 76ers are heading down the same road this season. According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, George is not expected to be a full participant at the start of 76ers training camp.
If the 76ers could get out from under George and his contract, that would be a huge win. Adding an All-Star forward like Markkanen would be another win.
What Lauri Markkanen Could Bring to Philadelphia
The 28-year-old could be what Philadelphia needs. The All-Star big man would elevate the 76ers’ offense, as he’s known for his scoring ability in all phases and ability to stretch the floor.
The fit of Markkanen and Embiid alongside each other shouldn’t be a problem in this scenario, as the 2023 MVP is more of a traditional big man compared to Markkanen on both sides of the ball.
This trade could be one to take the 76ers over the top, and it appears they have the necessary pieces to make such a trade.