Philadelphia 76ers fans were hoping Paul George and Joel Embiid would turn over a new leaf next season, but one NBA insider has given an update that doesn’t bode well.
The Philadelphia 76ers were ready to compete for an NBA championship last season. Unfortunately for them, all their best laid plans went astray.
The $212 million free agent signing of Paul George didn’t amount to much. The star suffered different injuries, which was a similar story to Joel Embiid.
There were questions about keeping the pairing of Embiid and George going, considering their problems. It is a huge financial commitment, if nothing else.
But the 76ers plan on keeping Embiid and George’s $400 million pairing going, at least for another season.
It’s not that straightforward, however, as Embiid is coming into the 76ers camp with an injury, as is Paul George. And according to one NBA insider, their situation is more complex than initially expected.
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty ImagesBoth Paul George and Joel Embiid have uncertain injury issues
A Philadelphia 76ers fan asked Brett Siegel of Clutch Points for an update on both Joel Embiid and Paul George heading into a new season.
Siegel revealed that George’s recent surgery will keep him out of training camp and possibly preseason games, while the 76ers’ silence on Embiid’s injury issues is a sign that things aren’t looking good.
“Only updates are that George is out for the start of training camp and may not play in the preseason. Too early to tell there.
“As for Embiid, there is genuine concern about his knee health. Of course, word from Philly gets downplayed, but around the league, word is bad.”
If what Siegel is reporting is accurate, then there should be a lot of concern among 76ers fans, as this could be the start of a disastrous season for them.
Only updates are that George is out for the start of training camp and may not play in the preseason. Too early to tell there.
As for Embiid, there is genuine concern about his knee health. Of course word from Philly gets downplayed, but around the league, word is bad. https://t.co/4lLry1FM9A
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) August 3, 2025
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Philadelphia 76ers might look to their future instead
If the current prognoses for both their star players are as bad as Siegel is reporting, then it might be time for the 76ers to make some changes.
Both Embiid and George are on the wrong side of 30 and don’t have much time left to play high-level basketball.
Furthermore, their advanced ages, George especially being 35, mean that their recovery times are also far longer than those of a younger player.
If the 76ers decide that the risk is just not worth the reward, then they actually have a great starting point to move on from the two stars.
They’d get a decent haul for both. If they can land some inexpensive contracts and good prospects to pair with Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe, the 76ers might not have to endure another long period of suffering like the ‘Trust the Process’ era.
And while Quentin Grimes’ future with the 76ers looks shaky, he could be a piece they build around, along with Maxey and Edgecombe, after they move on from George and Embiid.