The Philadelphia 76ers went from title dreams to tanking in hopes of keeping a top-six protected draft pick in one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history. Last summer, Daryl Morey convinced Paul George to join the Sixers to form a Big 3. Many believed the nine-time All-Star was the ideal fit, but injuries and ineffectiveness have left Philly searching for a new direction with two gigantic contracts weighing down their books.
Morey has a lengthy track record of winning. As their top executive, he helped the Rockets make the playoffs ten times in 13 seasons. They twice reached the conference finals before Morey joined the Sixers in 2020. This was his first year missing the postseason in Philadelphia. To win for that long, Morey remade multiple rosters and must do so again this summer.
The 52-year-old wants the 76ers to be title contenders. His roster-building preferences were on display in Houston. The questions about Joel Embiid’s health are louder, but Morey will likely repeat history with disastrous results.
Daryl Morey must avoid chasing star talent this offseason
In Houston, Morey ran through Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, and Russell Westbrook as co-stars to Harden. The infamous CP3 for Russ trade is still haunting the Rockets. Morey couldn’t find a way to top the Warriors, but he was never afraid to shake things up.
Paul George looked far from a star this season. It would not be surprising to see Morey shop him this summer. It may turn into another disastrous trade, especially given the top-end talent expected to hit the market.
Kevin Durant is the top name, but trading for a 37-year-old superstar is always risky. Durant is one of the all-time great scorers, but the Sixers have tons of injury risk with Embiid on their roster. Philly cannot add to it with an aging KD.
The other top names are Trae Young, Ja Morant, LaMelo Ball, and Zion Williamson. The mix of injury risk, lack of defense, and ill-fitting with Sixers' current stars could make any of these moves an absolute disaster.
Philadelphia must improve their supporting cast. They should not sell low on Embiid or Paul George. Give both players the offseason to get healthy and try to rebuild their value. The 76ers need to help Maxey and Jared McCain reach their ceilings. They need more talent around their top names. Morey wants length and athleticism. There is a ton on his plate, but selling PG or Embiid at the lowest point will certainly crush Philly’s assets.
The Philadelphia 76ers have a bright future. Their two young guards have star potential. It is all about maximizing their talent and finding the right pieces. Morey should not mortgage it to chase a star right now, especially for an aging one that gives the franchise just a couple of chances to win it all. The lead exec must break his tendency, which won’t be easy. It is time for change in Philly, and Morey must do so too. If not, things will get ugly for the Sixers.