The 2024-25 NBA season was a struggling phase for the Philadelphia 76ers. They finished with a 24-58 record despite the addition of nine-time star Paul George. Signed to a four-year, $212 million contract in July 2024, George suffered injuries and inconsistent performance with a 16.2 average, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.
Despite averaging 23+ points in 81 and 75 games, respectively, in the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons, George’s individual excellence was not enough to carry the Pacers deep into the postseason. However, Paul George’s past trades significantly impact the 2025 NBA playoffs. His former teams, now built around players acquired in those deals, are title contenders.
Paul George’s Trade Network Shapes The 2025 NBA Playoffs
In 2017, George was traded from the Indiana Pacers to the Oklahoma City Thunder, with Domantas Sabonis heading to Indiana. Sabonis entered an All-Star, leading to a trade that brought Tyrese Haliburton to the Pacers, now a cornerstone of their team. Haliburton’s leadership positioned the Pacers close to the NBA finals in 25 years.
Meanwhile, George’s 2018 move to the Clippers, despite having 28 28-point average in 77 games, involved sending Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and multiple draft picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Gilgeous-Alexander became the 2024-25 NBA Most Valuable Player, leading the Thunder to a 68-win season and securing their position just two wins away from the finals. Additionally, one of the draft picks acquired in the trade turned into Jalen Williams, who earned an All-Star selection this season.
Two Paul George trade trees could shape the 2025 NBA Finals 🤯
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 23, 2025
George was the prized superstar in 2017, coming off two impressive seasons for Indiana:
2015-16 (81 games):
📊 23.1 PTS
📊 7.0 REB
📊 4.1 AST
2016-17 (75 games):
📊 23.7 PTS
📊 6.6 REB
📊 3.3 AST
Still, these… pic.twitter.com/iOzeL7JO7m
These interconnected trades have significantly shaped the current playoff picture, with the Pacers and Thunder competing as formidable contenders. The 76ers, still rebuilding, continue to explore the evolving dynamics of these trade trees, which may influence their future strategies and moves.
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