Philadelphia 76ers president Daryl Morey is planning to revamp the Sixers’ roster this offseason and focus on building around stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, as reported by multiple sources.
With Kelly Oubre Jr., Kyle Lowry, and Nic Batum set to enter free agency, Morey has approximately $65 million in cap space, a first-round draft pick, and a max contract to offer to Maxey in the upcoming summer.
“We’re not going to have continuity,” Morey stated at the 76ers’ headquarters on Monday. “We’ll have continuity with our stars and our head coach, but we’re going to have a lot of changes this season.”
It has been 41 years since the Sixers last won an NBA championship, and they haven’t progressed beyond the second round of the playoffs since 2001.
Daryl Morey emphasized the importance of making Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey feel comfortable with the players around them, given their talent level: pic.twitter.com/87aIdZejoj
— Sam DiGiovanni (@BySamDiGiovanni) May 6, 2024
“We’re focused on Joel and Tyrese, and we’re focused on now,” added Morey.
Reports suggest that the Sixers are looking to add a veteran star in the summer to support Embiid and Maxey. Some players on their radar include Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler, Los Angeles Clippers’ Paul George, and Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James.
However, James and George would need to decline player options to hit the market. Other potential options mentioned by NBA insiders are Pascal Siakam of the Indiana Pacers and DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bulls.
Sixers coach Nick Nurse previously coached Siakam and DeRozan with the Toronto Raptors. Both players are free agents and could enhance Philadelphia’s frontcourt.
“We are in a window where we have to win now,” Morey explained. “Our focus is on acquiring the best players that complement Joel and Tyrese.”
Philadelphia 76ers President Daryl Morey Approves Joel Embiid Playing for Team USA at 2024 Summer Olympics
Joel Embiid, set to turn 31 next March in his ninth NBA season, is expected to miss games due to his injury history. Despite this, he still plans to represent Team USA at the Paris Olympics.
“It’s important to support the dreams of your best player,” Morey mentioned regarding Embiid’s Olympic aspirations.
Additionally, the Sixers hold the 16th overall pick in the first round and the 41st pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft. Morey is keen on acquiring more draft picks for future trades rather than immediate help from this year’s draft.
Furthermore, securing a max contract for Tyrese Maxey is a top priority this offseason. The young guard had a breakout season, earning his first All-Star selection and the NBA Most Improved Player Award.
“We should all have learned not to doubt Tyrese,” Morey expressed.
As a restricted free agent, the Sixers have the option to match any offer extended to Maxey. He is eligible to sign a lucrative five-year, $205 million deal.
“This offseason is crucial for us to get the team in a championship-contending position. We fell short this year, and we owe it to everyone associated with the team to improve,” Morey concluded.
The question remains – when will the 76ers capture a championship in this century? Morey faces another pivotal season ahead in the quest for NBA glory.
