This offseason has been a generally good one for the Philadelphia 76ers. James Harden is bound to re-sign with the franchise, and they’ve added several key free agent signing. The biggest of course is the addition of P.J. Tucker.
Tucker is a 37-year-old veteran who brings toughness and defense to any team he’s on. Which is exactly what the Sixers need to make them a true title contender. However, the NBA apparently has suspicion regarding the process of Tucker’s signing.
The NBA is likely to investigate the Philadelphia 76ers’ signing of Tucker.
According to Marc Stein of substack (subscription required), the NBA will closely look at the free agent acquisition of Tucker. Honestly, shouldn’t come much of a surprise to 76ers fans who had been following the reports leading up to NBA free agency.
The team had long been interested in the veteran free agent well before free agency. It was even reported the estimated amount the 76ers were going to offer before free agency had begun. It just seemed a little bit too convenient how that information came out.
It also doesn’t help Philly’s case that both Harden and Sixers’ president of basketball operations Daryl Morey already have a relationship with Tucker from when all three were with the Houston Rockets. The information, plus his prior connections within the 76ers organization would certainly make outsiders suspicious.
Whether or not the Philadelphia 76ers did tamper prior to the beginning of free agency is for the NBA to decide. Regardless of the outcome and any possible repercussions, it might be worth it in the end, if the Sixers win a title during Tucker’s tenure.