76ers wont break up star duo amid trade rumours

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The Philadelphia 76ers made a major splash last offseason by signing All-Star forward Paul George and pairing him with former MVP Joel Embiid, forming a dynamic duo that would help lift them to a championship. 

However, the results on the court left little to be desired. The two barely played together as lingering injuries forced them both to miss extended stretches of the season.

Despite the setback, the 76ers aren't ready to abandon the experiment yet. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the star duo did not work out in their first season together; however, the 76ers aren't giving up on them just yet."

Fischer added that the 76ers intend to run it back for next season and have no intention of trading George for the No.3 overall pick.

"There have been no indications that they are looking to package George with the No. 3 pick or try to move him on his own," he wrote. "The Sixers surely understand that there is little-to-no chance they could optimize a trade return for the 35-year-old after his injury-riddled maiden season as a Sixer ... especially with three seasons remaining on George's max deal."

The 76ers were among the most disappointing teams last season, finishing with a 24-58 record.

Paul George, who signed with the 76ers after a five-year stint with the Los Angeles Clippers, had one of the worst seasons of his career, averaging 16.2 points per game, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 steals on  43 percent shooting, including 35.8 percent from behind the arc.

 While Embiid, when healthy, remained stellar, averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, but was limited to 19 games due to a nagging left knee injury.

Heading into next season, the 76ers aim to reestablish themselves as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, relying on the health of George and Embiid, the continued development of Tyrese Maxey, and the No. 3 overall pick.