1. Tyrese Maxey
The 76ers would have re-signed Maxey when he was extension-eligible, but the James Harden drama forced them to leave their options open. Daryl Morey wanted to maintain cap space to chase another marquee talent, but the plan only works because Maxey is a restricted free agent.
The 23-year-old keeps getting better. He averaged 25.9 points, 6.2 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.0 steal in 37.5 minutes per game in his fourth NBA season. Maxey shot 45.0 percent from the field and 37.3 percent on his threes as he won Most Improved Player and made his first All-Star appearance.
He is a bona fide star with room to grow. Maxey won’t be leaving Philadelphia anytime soon. The Sixers are expected to sign him to a five-year max contract this summer, and it is a no-brainer for the franchise.
Embiid and Maxey could become an elite duo that helps the 76ers chase championships for years to come. It is on Daryl Morey and the front office to put the pieces around them to compete for a title.
The Philadelphia 76ers face an uncertain offseason. Nearly their entire roster is headed toward free agency. Can they put together a contending team on the fly around their star duo? It won’t be easy, and Tyrese Maxey cannot be the only player the Sixers bring back. Expect plenty of movement, and stay tuned to see how it all shakes out.