Paul George’s suspension is not the news that the Philadelphia 76ers could have wanted to hear. Not that George has been really available for the 76ers since coming over from the Los Angeles Clippers. Now the question is: how does his suspension affect the Sixers’ trade-deadline plans and Nick Nurse’s rotation?
How Does Paul George’s Suspension Affect the 76ers’ Trade Deadline Plans And Lineup in the future
George was suspended 25 games for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program, the league announced earlier today. George claimed in a statement to ESPN’s Shams Charania that the suspension is related to him taking “improper medication” to deal with his mental health issues. His suspension begins tonight when the 76ers face New Orleans, and he will lose $11.7 million in salary.
“Over the past few years, I’ve discussed the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication,” the statement read. “I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to the Sixers organization, my teammates, and the Philly fans for my poor decision-making during this process. I am focused on using this time to make sure that my mind and body are in the best condition to help the team when I return.”
George hasn’t been great this year and has only appeared in 27 of the 76ers’ 47 contests. Still, the 35-year-old has played better over the last two months and is one of the team’s most important players due to his two-way ability. He is one of the Sixers’ top 3-point shooters, scorers, and rebounders. and defenders.
George averages 16.0 points. 4.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 31 minutes a game. George knocks down 2.4 threes a game with shooting splits of 42.4/38.7/88.5. He has scored in double-figures 23 times, hitting the 20-point mark on six occassions, and produced one double-double. The Sixers have won 16 of the 27 games in which he has appeared, and he is second on the team with a plus/minus of +3.2.
© Bill Streicher, Imagn Images
What Does George’s Absence Mean for the Sixers?
With George out, Dominick Barlow figures to head back into the starting lineup. Barlow is having a career season and has started 30 of his 37 appearances. Barlow averages 7.9 points, on 55.3% shooting from the field, and 4.8 rebounds in 24 minutes. He has scored in double-figures 15 times, including one 20-point effort, and recorded one double-double. In addition, the Sixers are 17-13 in the games he has started.
Trendon Watford and Jabari Walker also figure to be in line for an uptick in minutes with George Out. Quentin Grimes (ankle sprain) is probable for tonight’s contest, while Andre Drummond (illness) is questionable. Prior to the game, Grimes and Drummond were upgraded to available.
George will not be eligible to return until March 25. Thus, meaning the 76ers will have 10 games remaining. The Sixers are 10-10 without George this year. They have been outscored by 1.3 points when George is off the bench, which is the second-highest on the team.
Philadelphia (26-21) sits in sixth place in the Eastern Conference. The 76ers have been playing decently well since the calendar turned to 2026, going 10-7 in the month, though they are .500 over the last 10.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks said the Sixers will receive a $5,871,147 tax variance credit for the time George misses. Marks added that puts them just $1.2 million above the tax line.
“The Paul George 25 game suspension will cost $11,742,293,” Marks tweeted. “The 76ers will receive a tax variance credit of $5,871,147. George will be moved from the active to the suspended list after the 5th game. They can sign an additional player once he is on the suspended list.”
What Is Next For The Sixers?
Philadelphia has 15 players under contract at least until Charles Bassey’s 10-day contract expires on February 4. The good news for the 76ers is that they don’t play on Feb. 4th, though they do play on the 5th. The Sixers need a full 15-man roster for any of their two-way players to appear in a game.
Speaking of their two-way players, Walker can only be active for three more games. After that, the Sixers will need to promote him to a standard contract,t or he won’t be available to play in an NBA contest.
It has been the Sixers intention to promote Walker and Barlow all along. Now that George’s suspended, it will be easier to do so. Still, the 76ers will likely look to shed salary before the trade deadline to get out of the tax. Andre Drummond and Eric Gordon are the most likely to be dealt.
“Sources around the league say the team is willing to part ways with Drummond,” Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer said. “At first glance, it’s hard to imagine that the financial aspect will play a role at the trade deadline unless it’s someone like Eric Gordon. The reserve guard has played in only six games, with his last appearance coming Dec. 23 against the Brooklyn Nets.”
“Maybe the Sixers could entice the Nets or the Utah Jazz, teams with a lot of cap space, with a second-round pick just to take on Gordon’s contract for the remainder of the season,” Pompey continued.