The Philadelphia 76ers and Utah Jazz have engaged in preliminary trade talks involving All-Star forward Paul George, according to Andy Larsen of Locked On Jazz.
The proposed framework would send George to Utah in exchange for the No. 5 overall pick, with Philadelphia moving down from No. 3 in next week’s NBA Draft.
Larsen clarified via social media that while these scenarios have been discussed, “they haven’t gotten into the serious stages to my knowledge.” He emphasized that the talks are real but early, and that “what I don’t know far, far exceeds what I do know.”
George, who turns 35 next month, is entering the second year of a four-year, $212 million contract he signed with Philadelphia last July.
He appeared in just 41 games this past season due to adductor and knee issues, averaging 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.
The 76ers finished 13th in the Eastern Conference with a 24–58 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
Moving George would give Philadelphia financial flexibility while still allowing them to select a top-five prospect to build around Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
Utah, meanwhile, finished with the NBA’s worst record at 17–65 and ranked near the bottom of the league in defensive efficiency.
Acquiring George would bring a veteran presence to one of the league’s youngest rosters, potentially accelerating their rebuild under head coach Will Hardy.
The Jazz currently hold the No. 5 pick in a draft class featuring top prospects such as Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey, and Dylan Harper.
Swapping up to No. 3 could help Utah secure a higher-end talent while banking on a bounce-back season from George.
It remains unclear whether salary filler or future draft compensation would be included in the deal to meet league trade requirements.
Larsen, while reiterating that talks remain fluid, noted that Philadelphia’s interest in a pick swap and Utah’s potential willingness to take on George’s contract have been floated by “real people” around the league in recent weeks.
The 2025 NBA Draft begins June 25 and could provide a pivot point for both franchises after disappointing campaigns.
