The Philadelphia 76ers would love to dump Joel Embiid and Paul George with Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe taking over as the team’s untouchable stars. Embiid and PG are on max contracts with lengthy injury histories. Both players are currently sidelined and can’t be trusted to play 60-plus games. The Sixers can’t trade them, but the new era is already here.
Maxey is an All-Star and one of the best scorers in the league at 24 years old. Edgecombe had an impressive summer league debut before injury struck. The teenager had an exceptional year at Baylor and should be even better with NBA spacing. Philadelphia may have a dynamic backcourt duo for the next decade, and that should be the focus of Morey and the front office in building out their roster.
Embiid is special when he’s on the court. The 2023 MVP is the Sixers' biggest name but he has only played 58 games in the last two seasons combined. Embiid is reportedly still not healthy after his latest knee surgery. He can’t be untouchable in trade talks as the Sixers have no idea when he will play moving forward.
76ers only untouchable players are Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe
Daryl Morey loves to star hunt going back to his days in Houston. He acquired James Harden, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, and Russell Westbrook to give the Rockets several title opportunities. It never quite worked out, but it did not stop Morey from bringing Harden and George to Philly. He is always chasing the next marquee player.
PG is under contract until 2028 with Embiid’s deal expiring in 2029. Those max contracts will be nearly impossible to trade, which leaves the Sixers in a roster-building pickle. They want to prioritize the young talents but don’t have the cap flexibility to do so.
Morey’s best bet in moving off one of his max players is packaging Jared McCain and draft capital, but that only makes sense if Philly is getting a difference-maker in return. The 76ers' best bet is riding it out with Embiid and George in hopes they can stay healthy and produce like stars.
Morey is working the phone and calling about trades. He is known for making deals. The Sixers have three young guards to build around as George and Embiid come off their books. Daryl is not trading Maxey or Edgecombe as he looks to shape his next title-contending roster around the talented young guards.
The Philadelphia 76ers hope to see VJ Edgecombe immediately break out. They fell in love during the draft process, and Morey has a fantastic recent track record of drafting guards. Edgecombe could be a multiple-time All-Star if everything breaks right.
Tyrese Maxey is already a star, and the Sixers could have something special. Fans must be patient and let things develop, but they can be certain this is not Joel Embiid’s team anymore.