Needle-moving 76ers subplot has come to light after annoying oversight by ESPN

You can criticize the Philadelphia 76ers for many things, especially within the past year. But one strategy they’ve nailed this offseason is rebuilding a long-term foundation with newly added youth and culture-setters. This budding subplot has gone largely unnoticed in the national media landscape, but it’s been the best part of their offseason. However, you wouldn’t know this if you listened to ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins on First Take this morning.

“Now you look at your next guy, in a diamond in the rough that you found in Tyrese Maxey, and the Philadelphia 76ers are on the clock,” Perkins said. “They're on the clock when it comes down to Tyrese Maxey. And when I say on the clock, because if they keep trending in this direction of no culture and no stability. Guess what Tyrese Maxey is going to want out of Philadelphia. We know who his agent is. It’s Rich Paul, and Rich Paul don't give a damn. I'm telling you this. This is something that I know.”

Maxey does not want out from Philadelphia...

First of all, Maxey has given no public inclination that he wants out of Philadelphia now, or any time soon. His relationship with Joel Embiid remains strong, as he told Katie George of ESPN last weekend, and he seems excited to help the 76ers get back on track next season. Is it out of the question that if they’re stuck in mediocrity years from now that Maxey wants out? Sure, but we’re not even close to that point yet, and for Perkins to act like it is irresponsible.

He may have intel on KLUTCH Sports Group’s thought process when handling their clients’ careers. Still, there hasn’t been as much as a whisper from anyone connected to Maxey or the 76ers that he wants to play elsewhere. 

Perk hasn't been paying attention to what the 76ers are building

As far as Perkins’ stance on Philadelphia’s culture goes, he may have been correct a few years ago, but not now. The 76ers have re-emphasized their need for youth and intangibles as evident with their recent additions. It started with drafting Jared McCain, Justin Edwards, and Adem Bona in the 2024 NBA Draft. Then, V.J. Edgecombe and Johni Broome were added last month, On top of that, Philadelphia inked Trendon Watford – one of Maxey’s good friends – to a two-year deal.

What do all of these players share in common – upside, athleticism, and competitiveness. For years it has felt like the 76ers have lacked all three of those traits and now they’re set up for the short and long term. Am I calling them legitimate contenders next season and above, not at all. Still, it’d be one thing for Perkins to say this if Philadelphia had a bleak future like the Milwaukee Bucks. But, its two-timeline approach will set it up nicely for a future sans Embiid and Paul George.

What I’m trying to say is that the 76ers are finally prioritizing building a winning culture from the top to bottom of the roster with young cornerstones in Maxey, McCain, and Edgecombe to lead the way. Any Maxey trade talks are foolish as of right now.