This offseason, the Philadelphia 76ers have the opportunity to create one of the most formidable teams in the NBA. In fact, they can put together the league’s next superteam. All they need is a little bit of luck.
How the Sixers Can Create the NBA’s Next Superteam
Money Talks
The Sixers are projected to have $58.3 million in practical cap space and a maximum of $76.8 million. With that much cap space, the Sixers can sign the two players that teams hope will reach free agency this offseason: LeBron James and Paul George.
James will be entering his 22nd NBA season in 2024-25 and there’s no telling how long he’ll keep playing. However, it isn’t out of the realm of possibility that he dominates for at least three more seasons. With that, the Sixers should be comfortable offering James a maximum or near-max contract when he becomes a free agent.
George will be entering his 15th NBA season and he’s shown no signs of slowing down. One of the best two-way players in the game, the Sixers have already been linked to the nine-time All-Star. Philadelphia should be comfortable signing him to a near-max contract.
Meanwhile, there’s already indication the Lakers have entertained a future without James. The Clippers are believed to be unwilling to meet George’s salary demands, per The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey.
Motivation Meets Opportunity
Business aside, James and George have been frustrated by their teams this season. Frankly, James’ nerves have been getting worked by the Lakers every season since the 2020 NBA Finals. Neither the Lakers nor the Clippers have met their expectations these last four seasons.
Of course, even a Sixers superteam with James and George will face adversity. However, they’re also sure to have fewer pitfalls and thus fewer disappointments.
James will have at least one more All-Star than he’s had at any point these past six seasons. To that point, if the Lakers could add George to the roster right now, they would.
George will be part of a more fitting constellation. The Clippers have one too many ball-handlers, forcing Russell Westbrook to come off the bench and diminishing his potential impact. The Sixers will have far less of an issue starting Tyrese Maxey alongside their new Big Three because Maxey is the only lead guard.
Getting the Crew Together
The trio of James, George, and Joel Embiid may all take slight pay cuts to play together. Furthermore, Maxey will be a restricted free agent. If he signs after James and George, the Sixers can retain him.
To that point, the salary cap is projected to be $141 million next season. As a result, Philadelphia should be able to sign James to a contract worth nearly $45 million annually. This becomes easier if Embiid takes a $5 million annual pay cut to be paid $46 million. George should be able to sign for $43 million annually.
This also allows them to keep Paul Reed, who’s owed $7.7 million next season. Due to his age, he’s less likely to take a pay cut to remain with the Sixers. Regardless, he’s already under contract on a bargain deal.
It’ll have to be proven on the court, but that five-man unit of James, Embiid, George, Maxey, and Reed has the potential to be the best in the NBA. George and Embiid would consistently excel at both ends. Maxey and James are shot-creators and playmakers who can put up 25-and-5 nightly. Reed’s a jack-of-all-trades and his inside-outside scoring potential could make him an ideal auxiliary piece.
Building Around the Core
Using minimum contracts to build the remainder of the rotation could prove difficult. However, several intriguing free agent options will be available.
Bol Bol, now in his fifth season, has been playing well with the Phoenix Suns. However, Bol could leave the Suns for the Sixers if he believes he’d have a larger role. That said, Bol could feasibly start over Reed with his outside shooting.
Lonnie Walker IV and Cam Reddish could be shortlisted for wing depth. Both have experience playing alongside James, with Walker flashing offensively and Reddish shining defensively. Veterans Kris Dunn, Taurean Prince, and Andre Drummond are among their better options for minimum contract signings.
Sixers Potential 2024-25 Depth Chart
G Tyrese Maxey, Kris Dunn
G Paul George, Lonnie Walker IV
F LeBron James, Taurean Prince
F Bol Bol, Paul Reed
C Joel Embiid, Andre Drummond
