They say one man's windfall is another man's downfall... Tyrese Maxey's rise to stardom could be set to hand him generational wealth. According to Bobby Marks, Maxey could be eligible to sign a mouthwatering five-year, $389 million extension if he is named in two of the next three All-NBA teams. Given the Philadelphia 76ers' salary cap situation, one of the roster's highest earners will have to be sacrificed to sanction this deal. Look away, Sixers fans; Joel Embiid's departure is inevitable.
Maxey now has the power to demand superstar compensation
Tyrese Maxey's development has been nothing short of sensational over the last three seasons. In the wake of James Harden's controversial departure, the 25-year-old seamlessly stepped into the spotlight and thrived under the pressure as the team's lead guard.
With the ball in his hands, Maxey has been truly impressive. Philadelphia fans saw the best of their star guard throughout the 2025-26 season as he recorded career-high numbers. Maxey averaged 28.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game, while shooting 46.2% from the floor and 36.7% from deep.
Elite-level players are like gold dust in the NBA; if a franchise is lucky enough to boast one on its roster, at some point, the front office will be required to fork out a considerable amount of cash to reward them for their performances. In the new era of the second apron, the situation is more complex than throwing money at a star. Other dominoes must fall to ensure financial regulations aren't broken.
If Maxey hits the milestones required to trigger an extension, the electric guard could potentially earn a whopping $77 million per year. According to Spotrac, for the upcoming season, his contract will be worth $40,770,520 -- which is around 24.72% of the 76ers' annual salary cap. Given that Philadelphia is currently just $1.8 million under the first apron hard cap and $14.4 million under the second apron, Maxey's extension would require some serious creative thinking.
Barring another move, the Sixers will go into the season with an open roster spot and $1.8 million under the first apron hard cap.
— Yossi Gozlan (@YossiGozlan) July 28, 2026
December 4 is the earliest they could sign a 15th player to a rest-of-season contract.
They'll probably keep it open to maintain flexibility… https://t.co/luwBvN4jZp
Joel Embiid's departure could be inevitable
Being named on two of the next three All-NBA teams is a huge ask for a player, but it's difficult to hedge your bets against a gritty superstar like Maxey. The Kentucky alum is more than capable of achieving this feat, and the 76ers will be wise to this fact. Mike Gansey has already shown he can handle complex situations during his short time in Philadelphia, which could put Joel Embiid in the firing line.
Embiid remains under contract for three more seasons, with the final year of that deal a player option that the 32-year-old is expected to pick up. The time scale of Embiid's deal runs perfectly parallel with the extension clause Maxey currently holds -- leaving the dominant center vulnerable to the exit door.
Despite the blood, sweat, and tears Embiid has put into the 76ers throughout his career, sentiment is unlikely to be shown due to his high wage demands. He will be 35 years of age when his deal expires, and Embiid's current injury record helps to create a narrative that his elite attributes would have diminished at this stage of his career.
The fact of the matter is, Tyrese Maxey should now be considered a more valuable asset to the Philadelphia 76ers. If he becomes eligible for this mammoth contract extension, the franchise will have to sanction a set of cut-throat decisions to make it possible. Unfortunately for Joel Embiid, he will be the prime candidate to depart the Sixers.
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