NBA Trade Rumors: Paul George Linked to Shocking Team in Trade Buzz

The Philadelphia 76ers have insisted that Paul George is coming back next season after a dreadful first year of his massive four-year deal. What team would even want his $211 million albatross of a contract?

According to the latest rumors, the Sixers are pushing PG on the Utah Jazz. Really? Utah finished dead last in the NBA last year with just 17 wins. Why they would want the 35-year-old overrated former 9-time All-Star is anybody's guess.

DEVELOPING: The Jazz and 76ers have discussed a trade that would send Paul George to Utah, reports @andyblarsen

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Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reported on the Locked On Jazz podcast that the Jazz and Sixers have indeed discussed a trade that would send Paul George to Utah, in exchange for a pick swap, allowing the Jazz to move back up in the draft to Philly's #3 spot after the lottery knocked them down to #5.

Do the Sixers want to unload Paul George's contract on the Jazz?

Jazz owner Ryan Smith likes to make big splashes with his teams, and this would certainly be quite the plunge. George still has three years and $160 million+ left on his bloated deal. Would it be worth picking that up to move up two spots in the draft? According to Larsen, while the Sixers would like to do this to get out from under George's contract, the Jazz might not be willing to bite.

"I do think it's true that the Philadelphia 76ers are interested in trading down to number five, potentially, if they can get off the Paul George deal and that contract," Larsen said. "I don't think necessarily that may not make a lot of sense for the Jazz, given how long that contract is and how iffy Paul George was. I don't think the Jazz are going to take that offer, but I do think that's an offer that has been presented."

Larsen went on to suggest that the Jazz have also been offered picks for center Walker Kessler.

As for George, he averaged just 16.2 points this past year in Philly, his lowest number since his second year in the league, 13 years ago. He also had more injury problems, playing just 41 games. He's only played more than 56 games in a season once in the last six years.