NBA Notes: Sixers, Joel Embiid, Magic, Anthony Black, Warriors

76ers

Tyrese Maxey doesn’t need much convincing about what a healthy Joel Embiid means to the 76ers.

It “changes everything,” Maxey said, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN.

Embiid hasn’t played more than 39 regular-season games in any of the past three years. Having him at full strength this fall gives the Sixers something they haven’t consistently enjoyed: Time to practice with the player who shapes so much of their offense.

“If you haven’t been playing with a big like Joel – there’s not many – it’s very hard, very difficult to learn certain things,” Maxey said.

With Embiid participating, Philadelphia can work through those details repeatedly rather than trying to figure them out during games.

“So, with him being here, we can drill those things over and over,” Maxey said. “It’s been what, like two, three weeks that we’ve had just drilling and drilling. That’s a good thing.”

The longer-term question is keeping Embiid available. But getting through camp together gives Maxey and the Sixers a better starting point than another stretch of waiting for their center to return.

Magic

Anthony Black’s extension negotiations are drawing attention from other front offices. That doesn’t necessarily mean Orlando is preparing to trade him.

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, rival executives have wondered whether the Magic would consider moving Black if the sides don’t reach an agreement before Monday’s rookie extension deadline.

Brandin Podziemski’s five-year, $110 million deal with Golden State has helped frame the discussions. Both guards are represented by Bill Duffy, though Orlando hasn’t been willing to reach that $22 million annual figure for Black.

The Magic’s payroll makes the decision more complicated. So does their need to win with the roster they’ve assembled.

“I don’t think they trade him now even if they don’t get a deal,” one Eastern Conference executive told Windhorst. “They are under pressure to win this season because of that payroll, and they need him because of (Jalen) Suggs’ injury issues.”

That’s a reasonable argument for patience. An unsigned extension doesn’t erase Black’s value to this season’s team.

Orlando has to weigh his next contract. It also has to get through the coming season with enough reliable guard play.

Warriors

The Warriors hope their biggest additions during the season will come from their own injured list.

Moses Moody and Jimmy Butler won’t be ready for opening night, but Golden State remains optimistic about getting both back by early 2027, according to Anthony Slater of ESPN.

Moody is considered further along following surgery for a ruptured left patellar tendon and could return in December or January. Butler’s potential window following a torn right ACL is January or February.

Butler apparently has a more specific date in mind. He just isn’t sharing it.

“I know (an exact target date),” Butler told ESPN. “We know. Y’all just find out whenever y’all find out.”

Slater also reported that Golden State hasn’t offered Butler in trade discussions since its unsuccessful pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo at last season’s deadline. The Warriors didn’t pursue Anthony Davis or Jaylen Brown over the summer, and other Butler-plus-picks possibilities were shut down.

Steve Kerr’s plan is to keep the team competitive until reinforcements arrive. Golden State was 25-19 when Butler got hurt last season and finished 12-26 afterward.

“We get Jimmy back around February instead of losing him in February,” Kerr said. “So, what’s our job? Lay the best foundation, best platform for success before that.”