As the league prepares for another monumental free agency period, former MVP Joel Embiid is the only Philadelphia 76ers player who will enter the offseason with a guaranteed contract.
Set to make $51.4 million in the 2024-25 season, Embiid’s deal alone takes up one-third of their cap space. It’s well worth it, even if the Cameroonian center is an imperfect player. That is to say, while questions about his injury history and decision-making are fair, the Sixers aren’t going to find many players with his talent. In fact, Embiid’s the only active player to average at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game for three consecutive seasons.
That’s not ancient history either, as he averaged 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game in 2023-24.
Sixers Emerge as Dark Horse Suitors for Donovan Mitchell
The Sixers are also expected to retain Maxey.
Whether he signs a contract extension or they let him become a restricted free agent and match whatever offer sheet he’s offered, there’s no doubt that they wants him back. Emerging from the wreckage of James Harden’s characteristically chaotic exit, Maxey had a career season in 2023-24. Winning the 2024 Most Improved Player Award, he then went on to average an eye-popping 29.8 points per game in the playoffs.
Indeed, he and Embiid combined for 62.8 points per game this postseason, the highest average of any duo. Yet, even that wasn’t enough for them to take down an injured New York Knicks team.
Strength In Numbers
That said, while Embiid was definitely impacted by injury, the Sixers’ problems extend beyond his health. Their primary issue against the Knicks was that they couldn’t count on anybody but Embiid or Maxey. The only other Sixers player to average double-digit scoring figures was Kelly Oubre Jr. (13.2).
All of which has led to them making LeBron James and Paul George their primary offseason targets.
In the 2024 NBA Playoffs, James (27.8 points per game) was far more productive than George (19.5 points per game). His playmaking is also notable given that Maxey has developed as a passer but is still a score-first player. However, there’s no telling whether either player will actually be available in free agency.
With that said, Philadelphia could turn to the trade market to achieve their offseason goals. If so, “…the Sixers will likely have several options to pursue on the trade market,” Yahoo Sports insider Jake Fischer reports.
Donovan Mitchell’s extension talks with the Cleveland Cavaliers “loom as large as George’s,” he adds. “Without an extension with the Cavaliers, you can add Philadelphia to any proverbial group of interested suitors in Mitchell’s services…”
It’s Not Perfect, But It’s Potent
Mitchell landing in Philadelphia isn’t a novel idea but it’s rarely discussed as an option. In other words, Sixers have almost certainly been swept under the rug as a potential Mitchell suitor up until this point. Nonetheless, given his Northeastern roots, Philly’s cap space, and the Sixers’ desire to create a Big 3, he makes sense as a potential pickup.
Mitchell, who averaged 29.6 points and 4.7 assists per game in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, fits three of Philadelphia’s needs. He’s an excellent scorer who can take pressure off of Embiid and Maxey. He’s a two-way playmaker who creates points for others as well as defensive events. Lastly, he’s a proven postseason performer, with 54 career playoff games under his belt.
A full offseason with Maxey and Embiid will likely be necessary for them to find the proper balance. However, once they begin to gel, they’ll be a truly dangerous opponent.
