The 76ers acquired perennial All-Star forward Paul George as their top free agent target.
They agreed to terms with All-Star Tyrese Maxey on a five-year max contract.
They return one of their key players from last season, Kelly Oubre Jr., and have begun to build a team around veteran center Andre Drummond and long-range shooter Eric Gordon.
” read more: Paul George was the 76ers' only hope of winning a title. The risks were high. The odds speak for themselves.
Consider the first 24 hours of free agency a huge success, but the Sixers still have the task of replenishing their remaining roster with more limited funds after their first set of trades.
The remaining to-do items are:
Paul Reed's non-guaranteed contract
Following these early offseason moves, Reid's future in Philadelphia is now more uncertain than ever.
The fifth-year big man already had a nonguaranteed contract after the 66ers failed to reach the second round of the playoffs, but the 66ers then agreed to bring back Drummond, a more proven backup center, on a two-year deal and also selected UCLA defensive center Adem Bona in the second round of last week's draft.
“BBall Paul” has long been a fan favorite for his rebounding, hustle play, personality and “get it out of the mud” mentality, but it's understandable why the 76ers wanted to upgrade at the position. They sank when Embiid walked off the court in their first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks, and they couldn't stay afloat while the 2023 MVP was out for two months recovering from knee surgery.
So what are the options?
According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, the 76ers could waive Reed, which is expected to free up $9 million in cap space. But details aside, a trade package scenario for Reed could bring in a player for around $15 million again. As the Brooklyn Nets continue their rebuild after trading standout wing Mikal Bridges to the Knicks last week, a player like wing Dorian Finney-Smith could be on the market.
Are there any other returnees?
The Sixers brought in 11 unrestricted free agents on Sunday.
For now, Oubre is back, but starting forward Tobias Harris, veteran forward Nico Batum, versatile guard De'Anthony Melton and backup center Mo Bamba are all reportedly leaving the team.
As of Monday night, here are the 2023-24 Sixers remaining on the open market:
Kyle Lowry: Given his deep ties to Philadelphia and Sixers coach Nick Nurse, he could still be an option at backup point guard on a veteran-minimum contract.
Buddy Hield: The deadly long-range shooter joined the 76ers at the trade deadline but didn't have enough time for Embiid. He ended up falling out of the starting lineup and even the playoff rotation, but had a big impact in the 76ers' Game 6 loss to the Knicks. He'll likely be too expensive to re-sign after Sunday's deal.
Cameron Payne: The other player acquired before the trade deadline is an immediate backup guard who could potentially be acquired on a veteran minimum contract.
” read more: Daryl Morey acquires his top target and biggest free agent star, Paul George
KJ Martin: Though he hasn't been a consistent part of the rotation since being traded for James Harden's big game, the 23-year-old is a desirable athlete and well-rounded defender, and it feels like he could be a wild card if he returns.
Robert Covington: He missed more than four season-ending months due to a mysterious bone bruise in his foot, but when healthy he's an attractive (and likely affordable) forward option.
Jeff Dowtin: Emergency guard option. Initially signed on a two-way contract, which was converted to a standard contract late in the regular season. The Sixers recently declined his team option for the 2024-25 season.
Power forward and backup point guard
These are clear position priorities that need to be considered. SomehowWith the departures of Harris, Batum and Melton, and the futures of Lowry and Payne remaining uncertain, the Sixers still need rebounding, complementary ball-handling and playmaking skills.
If the above categories don't satisfy you, both spots have some less expensive options that happen to be familiar names.
At forward, how about Dario Saric, Marcus Morris Sr. or Haywood Highsmith (there's one name not associated with the Sixers: Kyle Anderson)?
What about Seth Curry at guard?
