With the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and a roster in need of a shakeup, trade rumors are swirling around the Philadelphia 76ers.
One intriguing proposal, floated by Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor, suggests the Sixers could target Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant in a deal centered around Paul George.
O’Connor outlined the trade on his podcast: “Paul George and two first-round picks for Kevin Durant. Simple, clean. Flip Paul George to Phoenix with two future firsts and get Kevin Durant back. It's a clear upgrade for the Sixers, and then for the Suns, you might say, well, why do you want Paul George after the year he had? He's a diminished asset on a big salary. Well, you know, not if you refurbish his value. If he has a good year with the Suns next to Devin Booker (in 2025-26) … then he becomes either a guy you want to keep or flip to get more picks in return."
"I think that's a good deal, especially for Philadelphia, because then you can still play around with the number three pick, trade down, whatever you want to do," O'Connor continued.
"And for Phoenix, it has some appeal, I think, considering George is still, in theory, a good player, and (in) a low-pressure situation like Phoenix compared to what he's dealt with in Philadelphia, I'd be intrigued by that for the Phoenix side of things.”
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 2024-25 for the Suns, shooting 52.7 percent from the field and 43.0 percent from three. Pairing him with Embiid and Maxey could create a potent trio capable of challenging for the Eastern Conference crown. Durant’s expiring $54.7 million contract for 2025-26 offers flexibility, though he’s likely to seek a two-year extension.
O’Connor’s proposal allows the Sixers to retain the No. 3 pick, potentially adding a young talent like Rutgers’ Ace Bailey or trading down for additional assets, preserving roster depth.
George, 35, could rebound alongside Devin Booker in a lower-pressure environment, potentially restoring his trade value, as alluded to by O'Connor.
The two first-round picks—likely Philadelphia’s 2029 and 2031 selections—offer Phoenix rare draft capital to rebuild around Booker or pivot if George underperforms.
While O’Connor’s trade makes sense on paper, obstacles remain. Reports from NBA insider Marc Stein indicated recently that the Sixers have “strongly debunked” interest in Durant, focusing instead on retaining George and using the No. 3 pick to add youth.
Also, Durant’s desire for an extension could complicate Philadelphia’s cap situation.
Still, Sixers president Daryl Morey’s history of bold moves keeps this proposal alive. If Philadelphia believes Embiid’s championship window is closing, swapping George for Durant could be their all-in push.
More NBA: Warriors could land Heat superstar in 3-team trade involving Jamal Murray