The Philadelphia 76ers were swept by the New York Knicks in the second round of the playoffs. It came after they were able to recover from a 3-1 deficit to the Boston Celtics. It was a disappointing finish to the season after a galvanizing win.
Injuries were the defining story for the Sixers, as it always is. Joel Embiid was injured for most of the season, including the playoffs. After losing to the Knicks, Philly has decided to make a decision in the front office. Josh Harris has decided to shake up the front office.
Next season, there will new decision-maker in Philly, as Daryl Morey has been relieved of his duties.
GettyPhiladelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey talks to the media. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers Fire Daryl Morey as President of Basketball Operations
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Morey is now out in Philly. He made several decisions in recent years that led the Sixers to the point they are at right now. That includes signing Embiid to a massive contract extension that kicks in next year, which will pay him $187.8 million over the next three years.
Morey took over in Philly during the 2020 season. During that time, the 76ers did not make the Eastern Conference Finals a single time. With that being the case, the Sixers decided to move on, which could signal a massive rebuild moving forward with the current roster.
Paul George could be a trade candidate. The massive free agent contract he signed looks terrible right now. He is still owed over $110 million over the next two seasons. That last season is a player-option, which he will likely exercise. He was suspended for 25 games this season, as well.
Those two big contracts are likely the big reasons why Morey has been ousted as the person in charge in Philly. With Morey out, the Sixers will now have to find a new person who can take the 76ers to heights that they were not able to reach under Morey.
GettyPhiladelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid looks on during a game. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
The Sixers Will Have Big Decisions to Make This Summer
Whoever Philly hires will have several big decisions to make. The guards are set, but everything besides the starting backcourt can be moved. Whoever Harris hires will be in charge of rebuilding the frontcourt. Embiid’s contract is likely untradeable, but George might have some value.
The 76ers are likely going to be active in the trade market this summer. They have some assets that they can use to bring in some players who might have a better fortune in Philly. V.J. Edgecomb is a promising rookie. Tyrese Maxey is already a stud.
Those two players are the foundation of the franchise moving forward, but more needs to be brought in. That doesn’t just include the starting lineup. The bench must be fortified, as well. Whoever Harris hires is going to have their work cut out for them this summer.
Like HEAVY’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post 76ers Make Major Decision in the Front Office Following Sweep by Knicks appeared first on HEAVY.