5 Moves the Philadelphia 76ers must make after signing Paul George
By Tyler Watts
4. Trade Paul Reed
Michael Scotto reported the Sixers will likely trade or waive Reed with the hopes of adding another forward.
The 6’9 big man is under contract for two more years, but neither is guaranteed. Philadelphia has until January 10, 2025 to fully lock in his $7.7 million salary for next season. It is a bargain deal for a 25-year-old with untapped potential.
The Jazz signed Reed to an offer sheet in the 2023 offseason, but Philadelphia matched on the restricted free agent. Do not be surprised to see the Jazz pop up as a franchise with interest in Reed.
Paul Reed averaged 7.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.0 block in 19.4 minutes per game last season, but he is stuck behind Joel Embiid and now Andre Drummond. The 76ers are set at center and must trade him for a better fit on their roster. Philadelphia will quickly be over the first tax apron, so Reed will be a key salary-matcher if the Sixers are going to land a significant upgrade.
Daryl Morey must trade Paul Reed. It will mean packaging him with draft capital to land a superior fit. This deal could be a rare win for both franchises, but Morey must find the right franchise to make that a reality.