The Philadelphia 76ers needed a plan in the middle James Harden drama during the 2023 offseason. The superstar wanted out, but the franchise wanted to fight. How could Philly accomplish both? The situation was complicated by the fact that the Clippers were the only serious contender for the former MVP. Morey was walking a tightrope, and his fall likely meant losing Joel Embiid as well.
The Sixers’ president of basketball operations came up with a plan, but it seemed impossible to put it all together. Morey got a nice package in exchange for Harden and kept the team’s cap sheet clean heading into the offseason. It was the 76ers’ only chance, as Tyrese Maxey was in line for a massive raise after his All-Star breakout. Morey dreamed of adding a star but also needed to add to his roster.
Star players rarely change teams in free agency. In recent years, most have earned massive contracts before requesting a trade. Jalen Brunson went to the Knicks, but he wasn’t an All-Star before leaving Dallas. Kawhi Leonard and Kyrie Irving were the last superstars to do so in 2019. Morey signed Paul George has a maximum contract and quickly built one of the best teams in the league.
Morey got lucky. George wanted to re-sign with the Clippers, but LA wasn’t willing to pay a big tax hit to keep him. That opened a door, and the Sixers president rarely misses an opportunity to add top-tier talent.
Convincing a superstar to trade teams in free agency for the first time in five years was just one piece of the puzzle. After signing George, the 76ers had three stars but a nearly empty roster. Morey now had to put pieces around his best players to make the team a title contender with a limited salary cap.
The Sixers management found a solution. They kept Kelly Oubre Jr. and gave him a raise over last season. Getting Caleb Martin out of Miami was huge. Convincing Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon and Kyle Lowry to take less to play in Philly were crucial wins. Reggie Jackson was a nice depth signing and selecting Jarred McCain gives them another potential option.
Morey pulled off one last robbery by convincing Guerschon Yabusele to join their squad on a minimum contract after his incredible performance with France at the Olympics.
The Sixers have depth and a versatile roster to play different styles in the playoffs. Convincing Tyrese Maxey to sign in restricted free agency was another big move by Morey. The young guard might have balked at the idea, but Philly made it clear he was part of their core. That move freed up cap space to add Paul George and make the 76ers a true title contender.
The Philadelphia 76ers have done a remarkable job this offseason, but they’re going to need more luck to win a championship. Daryl Morey has put them in position. It’s all about staying healthy and making some playoff pushes. Only time will tell how that all plays out, but kudos to the Sixers president for getting them this far.
