Nobody can currently envisage what the Philadelphia 76ers' organisation will look like when the 2026-27 NBA season eventually rolls around. A new era of Sixers history is dawning, but the franchise still has no idea who will lead it. Nevertheless, it’s safe to say a new leader will want to put their own stamp on this roster, but they won’t have many tradeable assets to do so. Given his immense talent, age, and growing reputation, Tyrese Maxey is currently the 76ers' most valuable bargaining chip.
Maxey's bumper contract matches his offensive prowess
The direction Philadelphia will want to take in the future is uncertain. Do they continue to ride the Joel Embiid era that has brought little success? Or should a newly appointed general manager opt for a younger vision and build around the 76ers' young superstar VJ Edgecombe? Regardless of what they choose, they need financial flexibility and trading leverage –– something that Maxey's departure would create.
While Edgecombe would attract more suitors, there is no reality in which the 76ers would or should trade the explosive guard. Additionally, removing his rookie contract would not create much room for additional incoming players.
On the other hand, Maxey's ascension to stardom shows no sign of slowing down. Yes, the 25-year-old may have three years and around $130 million left on his current contract, but his previous campaign shows he is worth the risk.
Throughout the 2025–26 season, Maxey averaged 28.3 points, 6.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per game while embracing a leadership role every time he stepped on the floor. Without Maxey, the Philadelphia 76ers would never have come close to securing an automatic postseason berth -- let alone dismantling the Boston Celtics in a seven-game series.
Joel Embiid and Paul George are going nowhere
In an ideal world, a franchise sanctions the departure of its ageing or injury-prone stars when it is clear that things are not working the way they had hoped. However, Daryl Morey's tendency to overpay superstars rather than establish squad depth has created a situation in which no potential trade partner will be willing to absorb the massive contracts of Joel Embiid and Paul George.
Based on performances, Embiid and George are arguably at their highest value in two years. Joel Embiid has miraculously recovered from a knee injury that has plagued his recent career, allowing him to sporadically return close to his dominant best. Even so, the 32-year-old appeared in just 38 regular-season games for the 76ers last year.
Paul George was in red-hot form during the postseason and exhibited signs of the star Philadelphia thought they were acquiring in 2024. He recorded a remarkable 49.3% from deep during the Sixers' playoff campaign; however, at 36 years of age, it is unrealistic to believe that another team will be willing to take on his two-year, $110 million contract.
Unfortunately for Philadelphia's fanbase, this leaves only one plausible solution –– cashing in on Tyrese Maxey. Nobody wants it. Nevertheless, if a general manager truly wants to make his mark on the 76ers roster, what choice do they have?
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