For Philadelphia 76ers fans expecting notable roster changes this summer, a new report from ESPN has mostly bad news for you.
There were high expectations for the Sixers' postseason chances in Philadelphia a few weeks ago. They made a stunning comeback from down 3-1 in the opening round series and eliminated the Boston Celtics. Several sports analysts also suggested that they were the former favorites to reach the NBA Finals. They then ran into the New York Knicks buzzsaw and were eliminated from the playoffs.
Change was clearly coming, and it came Tuesday when they officially fired president of basketball operations Daryl Morey. Head coach Nick Nurse will stay on for at least one more season, but what about his roster? This was clearly not enough to defeat New York. Additionally, busted stars Joel Embiid and Paul George are costly obstacles to improving the roster.
Many have suggested in recent days that the 76ers won't do much this summer. And it seems that sports officials believe they shouldn't. A Western executive told ESPN, "Run it back, manage Joel as best you can, be a playoff team and try to stay healthy. I think you can do a lot at the margin."
Additionally, ESPN NBA insider Tim Bontemps said, "It doesn't make sense for Philadelphia to pay a heavy price of assets to give up any veteran star."
Team President's 'catchy' debut thanks to Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe
Yet making a move on the sidelines, as the West executive has suggested, may be difficult, because as NBA insider Brian Windhorst points out in the same report, the 76ers are apparently avoiding moving closer to the second NBA tax apron. This is reportedly why they moved Jared McCann before this year's trade deadline, and has made similar trades in recent years.
However, the ESPN report offers some hope. Although the Sixers have stuck with George and Embiid, teams all around the game have relied heavily on the backcourt duo of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. An East executive told the outlet that they are "arguably the most exciting backcourt in the entire league."
Additionally, multiple executives who spoke to NBA insiders claimed that the young and talented duo is a major reason why the chance to become the next team president is "tempting" for potential candidates.
