NBA · 1 year ago

What’s Next for the Philadelphia 76ers: 5 Necessary Moves

Ben DiGiacomo

Host · Writer

Acquire a Reliable Backup Center
Nothing is more critical to the Philadelphia 76ers than the health of Joel Embiid, and not having a reliable backup center option this season was the team’s ultimate downfall. A competent backup center would have been worth a win or two in the regular season, keeping them out of the Play-In Tournament and allowing Embiid to be fresh. Paul Reed was flat-out unplayable. If you watched the playoff games, you know how bad things were for the 76ers when Embiid was off the court. Someone like Andre Drummond or Jonas Valanciunas would be an ideal fit.
Avoid Paying Paul George
The Philadelphia 76ers finally got out of a five-year nightmare of paying Tobias Harris on a max contract just for him to come up short in the playoffs consistently, so why would they want a more glamorous version of him in Paul George? Can PG still play? Absolutely, but he’s now 34 and looking for a contract that pays him until he’s 39. The Sixers are building something dynamic with Tyrese Maxey’s elevation into a borderline superstar, so why add someone like Paul George into the fold that would harm the chemistry? However, I believe Joel Embiid should have a ton of say in who the 76ers ultimately bring in this offseason, so if he wants to play with Paul George, I will reconsider. Embiid has earned the right to decide who he plays with.
Do Everything to Acquire Lauri Markkanen
Danny Ainge is at the helm of the Utah Jazz, so it’s hard to imagine him trading Lauri Markkanen for anything less than a king's ransom. Still, the fit is so ideal that the 76ers must exhaust every potential avenue to bring him to Philly. Markkanen would be a seamless fit next to Embiid in the frontcourt, allowing Markkanen and Embiid to play off each other while Maxey can fill in the gaps. Markkanen will turn 27 this summer and still has a year of team control left, so the 76ers can continue to add around him to attempt to win it all in 2024-25. The 76ers have more assets than most realize, and Markkanen would be worth every single one. Daryl Morey, make the call.
Let Tobias Harris Walk, Obviously
Tobias Harris had the worst tenure of any Philadelphia athlete in recent history, and Sixers’ fans everywhere are glad that it’s finally over. After signing a max contract five years ago, Harris never developed into the third star the 76ers paid for. His production nosedived in the final weeks of the 2024 season, making things often insufferable to watch in the playoffs. Still, Harris was reportedly a great locker room guy and community member, but it didn’t work out on the court, which matters the most.
Resign Cam Payne, Kyle Lowry, Nic Batum, and Kelly Oubre Jr.
The Sixers have few players under contract heading into next season, and as Tyrese Maxey is set to sign his max-contract extension, a few veterans proved worth keeping around. In the backcourt, Cam Payne’s energy and Kyle Lowry’s veteran leadership are worth minimum contracts, and it’s hard to see either of those guys turning those down unless offered more money elsewhere. Nic Batum is contemplating retirement, but the Sixers could use him if he is willing to return next year. Kelly Oubre Jr.’s situation is a bit trickier because he earned himself an excellent deal this offseason. Still, he expressed a desire to return to Philly to handle “unfinished business,” so if he’s willing to turn down a little bit of money, the team needs to find a way to retain him.
Acquire a Reliable Backup Center
Nothing is more critical to the Philadelphia 76ers than the health of Joel Embiid, and not having a reliable backup center option this season was the team’s ultimate downfall. A competent backup center would have been worth a win or two in the regular season, keeping them out of the Play-In Tournament and allowing Embiid to be fresh. Paul Reed was flat-out unplayable. If you watched the playoff games, you know how bad things were for the 76ers when Embiid was off the court. Someone like Andre Drummond or Jonas Valanciunas would be an ideal fit.
Avoid Paying Paul George
The Philadelphia 76ers finally got out of a five-year nightmare of paying Tobias Harris on a max contract just for him to come up short in the playoffs consistently, so why would they want a more glamorous version of him in Paul George? Can PG still play? Absolutely, but he’s now 34 and looking for a contract that pays him until he’s 39. The Sixers are building something dynamic with Tyrese Maxey’s elevation into a borderline superstar, so why add someone like Paul George into the fold that would harm the chemistry? However, I believe Joel Embiid should have a ton of say in who the 76ers ultimately bring in this offseason, so if he wants to play with Paul George, I will reconsider. Embiid has earned the right to decide who he plays with.