Paul George trades explain how Thunder, Pacers each reached NBA conference finals

Paul George and the Philadelphia 76ers have long since been home, forced to watch the playoffs from their couches as a lottery team.

But there's not really a single NBA player who more directly can link himself to two of the NBA's conference finalists than George.

PG was at the heart of two massive trades that helped land the best player on both the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers.

He might not be in the conference finals himself, but OKC and Indiana are likely super grateful George once wore their jersey, because without his trade value, there's no telling where they'd be.

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Paul George trade from Pacers to Thunder

George began his NBA career with the Pacers, with whom he blossomed into a star. 

At the end of June 2017, Indiana decided to move on.

They swapped George to the Thunder for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis.

The Pacers eventually used Sabonis in a straight-up trade with the Sacramento Kings to land Tyrese Haliburton, their rising superstar.

Paul George trade from Thunder to Clippers

George lasted two years in OKC before the Thunder traded him to the Clippers for a generational haul.

The main player who came back to Oklahoma City in the deal was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA's top scorer and likely MVP of this season.

There were also five first-round picks that went to the Thunder in the deal, along with two pick swaps.

One of the picks was already used to land Jalen Williams, the rising star forward.

PG netted Oklahoma City its two best players.

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Will 76ers trade Paul George?

Apparently, the Philadelphia 76ers should be rushing to trade Paul George. It looks like moving on from him returns immense value.

Those discussions will take place this offseason, too, given Philadelphia's struggles in 2024-25.

If George does indeed move, keep an eye on who goes the other way. It might be time to bet on the return talent's stock.