While the Philadelphia 76ers are expected to try to shake things up anew this coming offseason, the reality of the situation is that the front office does not really have a lot of options to effectuate big switch-ups. Most of the team’s core players are still under contract for 2025-26 at the very least, and they also do not have sufficient financial ammo to go ahead and sign some big guns.
The team is undoubtedly in a state of flux after the way their season went, giving the front office a strong impetus to undergo yet another major shift when it comes to building the roster. But realistically speaking, the only way for the 76ers to do that is to try and shed salary which, however, could very well end up being a tough escapade.
But in the spirit of wishful thinking, one can only hope that Philly would be able to somehow find an avenue and be in the position to effectuate some major switch-ups. In that respect, here is a way-too-early prediction on what could be the team’s starting lineup next season following a theoretically ideal offseason.
Predicting next season’s starting lineup for the 76ers after a perfect offseason
Point Guard — Tyrese Maxey
Despite a relatively down season, Tyrese Maxey will once again be counted on to lead the 76ers in scoring next season, nothwithstanding the status of Joel Embiid. He turned in a career-high in points per game in this campaign before being shut down for good due to injury, but with a better and healthier supporting cast, his usual efficiency should surely return.
Shooting Guard — Jared McCain
The undisputed Rookie of the Year favorite before a torn meniscus injury shelved him for the entire season, McCain will be heavily banked on next season to provide not only scoring, but also playmaking for the 76ers. While his scoring prowess is already top-notch, Philly will need him to become a much better table-setter for the squad in 2025-26, especially with the team lacking a natural playmaker in the starting unit.
Small Forward — Kelly Oubre Jr.
Re-signing Kelly Oubre Jr. would be a lot tougher this time around, especially with him strongly believed to decline his player option to return next season to hit the open market. Still, while there are valid reasons for the 76ers to not pursue him anymore, he has become way too important for the team on both ends of the court to just let him slide to another team.
Power Forward — Andrew Wiggins
Probably the lone surprising entry on this list, Andrew Wiggins’ inclusion is hinged on the premise that the 76ers would be able to capitalize on Miami’s desperation and flip Paul George for him. Wiggins would be a nominal downgrade from the nine-time All-Star, but his low-usage offensive profile, defensive prowess, and spot-up shooting would be ideal for a starting unit littered with high-usage shot creators.
Center — Joel Embiid
The 76ers are dealing with a boatload of uncertainty when it comes to Embiid’s recovery from injury, but the team only goes as far as the 2023 MVP takes them, for better or for worse. The team’s offense and defense will revolve around him, and that will continue even if he’s not 100 percent healthy.