76ers trade pitch sends Paul George out West for 3 players

It was a challenging season for the Philadelphia 76ers a year ago, and there are several ways the organization could view it. 

For one, when Joel Embiid isn't on the court, they shouldn't expect much success. That isn't a knock on the 76ers, but rather a simple fact: every team struggles when its best player is out. 

Embiid is arguably one of the top three players in the world, and while the injury history is tough to ignore, it's something the 76ers have to deal with. 

It was also a hideous season for Paul George, the 76ers' big offseason addition a year ago. Unfortunately, George played the way he did, as many considered him a top 10 player in the league just a few months prior. 

Some have gone the extreme route and believe that George could be traded, including Sports Illustrated. They recently proposed an idea to send him to the Portland Trail Blazers. 

Hawks Receive: Duop Reath

Blazers Receive: Paul George, Ricky Council, an unprotected 2027 1st round pick swap (via PHI), and a 2031 2nd round pick (via ATL)

76ers Receive: Jerami Grant, Robert Williams, and Kris Murray

“Grant is less expensive and is more available than George. Is he as good? Not at his peak, but that time could be gone for George. Grant gives them a solid two-way player around Embiid and Maxey while Williams, if healthy (a major if), could make them one of the best defenses in the NBA. Murray is also a really solid bench option for the team. Getting off of George's contract might just be worth losing control of a 2027 1st,” they wrote.

MORE: 76ers linked to blockbuster trade proposal for four-time MVP LeBron James

Getting Robert Williams and Kris Murray in return would be intriguing, but it's also unfair to suggest that Jerami Grant is anything close to George. 

While George had a rough year, it's better to give him some grace and hope that things will work out when he and Embiid are on the court together.