Following a disappointing first-round playoff exit, the Philadelphia Sixers will be one of the teams to watch this summer, especially with $58 million in cap space to spend. They will have just two players under contract: Joel Embiid and Paul Reed, as well as restricted free agent Tyrese Maxey.
That will give them a chance to remake their roster around their MVP, Embiid, as well as their first-time all-star and recently crowned Most Improved Player of the Year, Maxey. With two elite building blocks and a relatively clean slate to work with, they could make a big mark in the offseason.
"The player at the top of their list is Paul George."@WindhorstESPN thinks the Sixers are going to give PG-13 a max contract offer in free agency, and will look to monitor Jimmy Butler and Brandon Ingram's situations 👀 pic.twitter.com/bRVVY1XeeO
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 3, 2024
Jimmy Butler and Brandon Ingram are players to watch for the Philadelphia 76ers; per @WindhorstESPN
— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BasketballOnX) May 3, 2024
[via @GetUpESPN ] pic.twitter.com/rsA0J7GLbM
That leads to interesting reports from ESPN's Brian Windhorst that the Sixers could target LA. Clippers star Paul George, as well as New Orleans' Brandon Ingram and Miami's Jimmy Butler. Eyeing three all-stars is different than being able to land each of them but the Sixers are well-positioned to make major moves this summer.
Can the Philadelphia Sixers land a third star this summer?
After the James Harden trade netted them two first-round picks, a pick swap, and two seconds, the Sixers made smaller moves in the hopes of retooling in the offseason. Now, they look well-positioned to do so. If Geoge hits free agency, then they could sign him using their cap space. Or, they could use it to partially absorb the contract of a star like Ingram or even Butler.
George would seem to be the most likely candidate and best fit, though his age at 34 and his injury history are concerns and probably the reason why the Clippers seem wary of bringing him back. The Sixers are finally about to get off Tobias Harris' bad contract and may think twice about giving him more than a two-year deal.
No matter which route the Sixers take, they have positioned themselves well to add a third star in the attempt to finally get over the hump and win a championship with Embiid.