NBA Free Agency: Grading all 30 teams on trades and signings

NBA Free Agency Grades: Philadelphia 76ers

Signings: James Harden (2 years, $68.6 million); P.J. Tucker (3 years, $33.04 million); Danuel House Jr. (2 years, $8.42 million); Trevelin Queen (2 years, $3.57 million)

Trades: None

The Philadelphia 76ers have suffered from a lesser version of the Stephen Curry problem the past few seasons. When their superstar Joel Embiid was on the court, they were good enough to push for an Eastern Conference crown. When he sat, either to rest or due to injury, the team fell apart. The Sixers continued to cycle through options trying to figure out how to make those minutes successful, and even after acquiring James Harden last year couldn’t get it to work.

Finally, the team looks to have addressed their depth issue and given the stars the support they need to make a fair shot at contention. P.J. Tucker is aging and was handed a hefty contract, but he is exactly the sort of defensive player this team needed. Danuel House was underrated for his two-way 3-and-D ability. At the draft they added De’Anthony Melton, another solid defender with plenty of offensive burst as well.

In short, the 76ers now have legitimate depth around their core four of Embiid, Harden, Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris. Will it be enough to win three or four playoff series? That comes down to whether Embiid stays healthy and Harden finds that missing next gear. The fact that Harden took a pay cut to add more rotation help shows he desires to win at a high level, but the question becomes whether he can step up to the plate himself.

Grade: A