Paul George isn’t just missing 25 games during his suspension. He’s also losing a hefty amount of cash, as he is now forced to forfeit nearly one-third of his entire paycheck.
Suspension Will Cost Paul George Nearly $12 Million
The NBA announced the suspension after George violated the league’s anti-drug policy, sidelining the 35-year-old forward for a significant chunk of the 2025–26 season. While the on-court absence is another tough blow for both team and player, the most eye-opening consequence may be what it does to George’s wallet.
Per his 25-game suspension (violation of the anti-drug policy), #Sixers Paul George will forfeit $11.7M of 2025-26 cash.
The 35-year-old is under contract for another 2 years, $110M after this season.
— Spotrac (@spotrac) January 31, 2026
Per the terms of the suspension, George will forfeit $11.7 million in salary for the 2025–26 campaign, a staggering figure even by modern NBA standards.
George’s suspension removes him from nearly one-third of the regular season, and the lost pay reflects that reality. Under the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, suspensions tied to the league’s anti-drug policy result in forfeited salary, not deferred payments.
Here’s how the situation breaks down:
- 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy
- $11.7 million in lost salary during the 2025–26 season
- 35 years old, entering the later stages of his career
- Two years, $110 million remaining on his contract after this season
That contract detail matters. George is still owed serious money beyond this year, meaning the suspension doesn’t jeopardize his long-term earnings, but it does put a spotlight on how expensive discipline can be, even for max-level veterans.
Contract Implications Loom for Philadelphia
What does it mean for the 76ers? While he is far from the star that Philadelphia paid back in 2024, George has been a regular contributor in the team’s rotation in the 27 games that he’s played thus far. He is averaging 16 points in 30 minutes per game, but has been inactive 8 times since returning from the injury that kept him out of the 76ers’ first 12 contests.
With or without him on the court, Philadelphia will carry George’s cap hit throughout the suspension.
While George’s forfeited salary offers some cash relief, it doesn’t meaningfully ease Philadelphia’s roster flexibility. The team still has to navigate rotations, minutes, and expectations without one of its regular members.
There’s also the age factor. At 35, every missed game matters more, especially for a player with George’s mileage. The suspension delays his on-court integration and raises inevitable questions about durability and long-term reliability.
Still, from a financial perspective, George remains firmly entrenched as a franchise-level investment. Two years and $110 million remain after this season, a reminder that while $11.7 million is a brutal loss, it doesn’t fundamentally alter his earning power.
