Hoops Wire

Tag: Daryl Morey

  • NBA Notes: Sixers, Jameer Nelson, Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Mavericks

    NBA Notes: Sixers, Jameer Nelson, Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Mavericks

    76ers

    The 76ers may be looking outside the organization for Daryl Morey’s replacement. But don’t overlook Jameer Nelson.

    According to Tony Jones of The Athletic, multiple league sources view Nelson as a legitimate candidate to become Philadelphia’s next president of basketball operations following Morey’s exit. Marc Stein previously reported Nelson could be in line for an expanded role, while Jake Fischer noted the former NBA guard has strong support within the organization.

    Nelson has quietly built a strong reputation inside league circles. Even though he technically sat behind Morey and GM Elton Brand in the front office structure, Jones wrote that Nelson handled more responsibility than a typical No. 3 executive.

    If he doesn’t land the top job now, many around the league believe it’s probably only a matter of time before he’s running a team somewhere.

    Meanwhile, Brand confirmed that Cleveland’s Mike Gansey, Portland’s Nick U’Ren, Clippers executive Trent Redden and Timberwolves executive Matt Lloyd are among the external candidates being considered. Atlanta also denied the Sixers permission to interview Hawks GM Onsi Saleh.

    Bucks

    The Bucks continue operating under the giant offseason cloud hovering over Giannis Antetokounmpo.

    Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN’s Shams Charania reiterated that while Antetokounmpo has not formally requested a trade, the superstar still believes a fresh start could ultimately benefit both sides.

    “Giannis’s stance has not changed,” Charania said.

    Until something definitive happens one way or another, that storyline probably isn’t going away.

    Mavericks

    New Mavericks president Masai Ujiri says the post-Jason Kidd coaching search will be wide open.

    Ujiri met with reporters Wednesday and made it clear Dallas plans to explore every possible avenue as it looks for Kidd’s replacement.

    “Every stone will be turned over,” Ujiri told reporters. “Whatever is best for this organization going forward is what we are going to look at.”

    That could mean experienced coaches, first-timers, college candidates or even international names.

    Ujiri pointed to the contrast between this year’s conference finals as proof there’s no single formula for success. The West features two younger coaches. The East features veterans.

    He also said he has not yet contacted candidates out of respect for Kidd, adding that the coach’s reported involvement in the Luka Doncic trade was not a factor in the decision to move on.

    Instead, Ujiri described this offseason as a “clean slate” moment for the franchise moving forward.

  • Cavs GM Mike Gansey among leading names in Sixers front office search

    Cavs GM Mike Gansey among leading names in Sixers front office search

    The Sixers continue casting a wide net in their search for a new lead basketball executive.

    One name that keeps surfacing? Mike Gansey.

    According to multiple reports from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Cavaliers general manager is expected to interview this week regarding Philadelphia’s opening following the dismissal of Daryl Morey.

    Gansey is hardly alone.

    Fischer reported that Matt Lloyd of the Timberwolves and Nick U’Ren of the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury are also expected to interview with Bob Myers, who is overseeing the process for Philadelphia ownership.

    League sources reportedly view both Gansey and Lloyd as future top basketball operations executives around the NBA.

    Gansey’s profile has only continued rising during Cleveland’s resurgence.

    The Cavs just reached the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2018, and Gansey has become one of the league’s more respected young executives after climbing through Cleveland’s front office and G League system over the past decade.

    Philadelphia has also been linked to several other established names around the league, including Travis Schlenk of the Wizards, Trent Redden of the Clippers and Vince Rozman of the Thunder. Redden has also spent time in the Cavs’ front office.

    Meanwhile, the Hawks reportedly remain unwilling to grant permission for the Sixers to speak with GM Onsi Saleh.

    Fischer also reported that longtime executive Neil Olshey is not pursuing the position despite earlier speculation linking him to the job.

    One internal candidate to watch remains assistant GM Jameer Nelson, who reportedly has strong support within the organization.

    The expectation is that whoever ultimately lands the role will oversee day-to-day basketball operations, though Myers acknowledged recently that he still plans to remain involved in major organizational decisions.

  • Sixers eyeing Cavs GM Mike Gansey in front office search

    Sixers eyeing Cavs GM Mike Gansey in front office search

    The Cavaliers are still playing. Mike Gansey’s name is still popping up elsewhere.

    According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, Gansey has emerged as one of the names to watch in the 76ers’ search to replace fired president of basketball operations Daryl Morey.

    Mike Gansey, Cavaliers, Bulls, NBA
    File photo

    Phoenix Mercury GM Nick U’Ren is also reportedly under consideration.

    For Gansey, it’s just the latest sign of how much respect he’s earned around the league.

    The Cavaliers advanced to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2018 with Sunday’s Game 7 rout of Detroit, and Gansey has played a major role in helping stabilize and build the roster since taking over as general manager in 2022.

    Before that, he climbed the ladder within the organization after being named G League Executive of the Year with the Canton Charge in 2017. Later that same year, he was promoted to assistant GM under Koby Altman.

    Gansey’s name has surfaced in multiple searches already this offseason.

    Earlier, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Bulls received permission to interview Gansey for their lead basketball operations opening, along with Timberwolves GM Matt Lloyd, Pistons executive Dennis Lindsey, Hawks executive Bryson Graham and Spurs assistant GM Dave Telep. (Graham eventually landed the job.)

    A Northeast Ohio native and former standout at West Virginia, Gansey has become one of the league’s more respected young executives. Now Philadelphia may be taking a long look, too.

    RELATED | Bob Myers expected to have major say in Sixers’ front office hire

  • Sixers move on from Daryl Morey, begin search for new lead exec

    Sixers move on from Daryl Morey, begin search for new lead exec

    The Sixers are making a change at the top.

    Philadelphia announced Thursday night that Daryl Morey is out as president of basketball operations after six seasons. Coach Nick Nurse will remain in place.

    Daryl Morey, 76ers, Sixers, NBA
    Getty

    “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Daryl,” managing partner Josh Harris said. “After speaking with him, we determined it was time for a fresh start.”

    That’s the direction now.

    Bob Myers will lead the search for a replacement and oversee basketball operations in the interim. The former Warriors executive said the process will begin immediately.

    “I believe this is a destination for top talent,” Myers said. “We’ll be thorough and deliberate.”

    Morey’s tenure brought regular-season success. The Sixers made the playoffs five times and went 270-212. The deeper runs never followed. Philadelphia hasn’t reached the conference finals since 2001.

    There were swings. The James Harden trade. The Paul George signing. Extensions for Joel Embiid. Results were uneven.

    The trio of Embiid, George and Tyrese Maxey played just 43 games together over two seasons and went 21-22.

    Nurse, meanwhile, is 116-130 in three years. He guided the Sixers past Boston in the first round this spring before a second-round sweep.

    “To our fans, your frustration is warranted,” Harris said. “We’ve fallen well short.”

  • Sixers to evaluate Daryl Morey, Nick Nurse after playoff sweep

    Sixers to evaluate Daryl Morey, Nick Nurse after playoff sweep

    The Sixers are expected to take a close look at their leadership structure after getting swept by the Knicks in the second round of the playoffs.

    According to Tony Jones of The Athletic, the futures of president of basketball operations Daryl Morey and coach Nick Nurse will be evaluated in the coming days. No decisions have been finalized, but ownership is expected to review the direction of the franchise.

    Jones reports that several “uncomfortable conversations” are ahead, including how to proceed with Joel Embiid. Embiid had multiple points of tension with the front office and coaching staff during the season, including public comments about the team’s approach to the luxury tax and roster decisions.

    One example came when Philadelphia traded Jared McCain for a future pick, a move that did not sit well with some players, per the report. Embiid also drew attention late in the season with a social media post after being held out of a game, later directing questions toward team decision-makers.

    On the court, Embiid delivered in the playoffs and helped lead a first-round comeback against the Celtics. His availability remains a factor, though, after appearing in 38 regular-season games.

    Embiid has two guaranteed years remaining on his deal, plus a player option, which complicates any potential trade scenario. Jones notes the focus may be more on alignment between Embiid, the front office and the coaching staff.

    As for Morey, the report outlines a mixed evaluation. He received a first-round pick in the McCain deal and drafted Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, while also adding Dominick Barlow on a two-way deal. At the same time, long-term financial commitments to Embiid and Paul George have limited flexibility.

    There are also reported concerns about locker room dynamics under Nurse, including a late-season meeting between players and staff to address issues within the group.

    Nurse, however, guided the team to 45 wins despite injuries, and the Sixers showed resilience in their first-round series.

    Roster-wise, Jones points to a need for more shooting, rebounding and size on the wing. Philadelphia has a core in place, but the second-round loss highlighted a gap between the Sixers and the top teams in the East.

  • Sixers’ Joel Embiid setback latest in string of ill-timed misfortune

    Sixers’ Joel Embiid setback latest in string of ill-timed misfortune

    At some point, you start to wonder about the 76ers and their dumb luck.

    As Ben Rohrbach of Yahoo Sports outlines, the Sixers’ latest setback — Joel Embiid undergoing surgery for appendicitis just before the playoffs — is only the latest in a long line of unfortunate developments for the franchise.

    Joel Embiid, 76ers, Sixers, NBA
    USA Today

    Embiid’s résumé alone tells part of the story.

    Beyond the typical wear and tear that comes with being a 7-foot center, he has dealt with a series of ill-timed issues, including orbital fractures, illness during the playoffs, Bell’s palsy and now an appendectomy. More often than not, those setbacks have come at the worst possible time.

    And it does not stop there.

    The Sixers’ post-Process era has been filled with strange turns. From the departure of Sam Hinkie and the Bryan Colangelo situation to the public fallout between James Harden and Daryl Morey, the franchise has rarely enjoyed a smooth ride.

    Then there is the draft history.

    Philadelphia selected Jahlil Okafor, Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz in consecutive years, with each situation unfolding in unexpected ways. The team also traded Mikal Bridges on draft night, a move that continues to draw scrutiny given his subsequent development elsewhere.

    Add it all up, and the narrative almost writes itself.

    Still, as Rohrbach notes, labeling it a “curse” may be a stretch. Some of it is poor luck. Some of it is roster decision-making. Some of it is simply the reality of building around high-risk, high-reward talent.

    There have been positives. Tyrese Maxey has emerged as an All-NBA caliber guard, and young pieces such as VJ Edgecombe offer hope for the future.

    So no, the Sixers probably are not cursed.

    But it is getting harder to ignore how often things seem to go sideways at the worst possible moment.

    MORE 76ers | All Hoops Wire coverage

  • Sixers expected to be active on buyout market

    Sixers expected to be active on buyout market

    Lonzo Ball, Cavaliers, Cavs, NBA
    Getty

    The 76ers are positioning themselves for a busy run on the buyout market.

    Philadelphia is set to open at least two roster spots this weekend, with Charles Bassey and Patrick Baldwin Jr. both nearing the end of their 10-day contracts.

    That alone gives the front office flexibility. Add in Paul George’s suspension, which allows the Sixers to move him to the suspended list temporarily, and there’s room to maneuver.

    According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, names to watch include Chris Boucher, Lonzo Ball and Haywood Highsmith. Mavericks newcomer Khris Middleton was also mentioned as a theoretical option, though there’s been no indication yet that a buyout is coming.

    Money matters here. The Sixers sit about $1.6 million below the luxury tax and roughly $3.8 million shy of the first apron.

    That means they can add two rest-of-season minimum deals without triggering tax penalties, but there’s little margin for error.

    Boucher has familiarity with coach Nick Nurse from their Raptors days and could provide frontcourt depth. Ball, recently waived by Utah, would help stabilize a backcourt that moved on from Jared McCain and Eric Gordon.

    Highsmith, waived by Brooklyn, is nearing a return from meniscus surgery and has drawn interest from multiple playoff teams. He also started his NBA career with the Sixers.

    Philadelphia could also keep things internal. Jabari Walker has hit his two-way limit, and head of basketball operations Daryl Morey acknowledged the team is weighing whether to convert him.

    Options are there. The Sixers just have to choose carefully.

  • Bob Myers’ arrival comes as Sixers enter prove-it season

    Bob Myers’ arrival comes as Sixers enter prove-it season

    Bob Myers talks with ESPN's Lisa Salters as Steve Kerr looks on
    File photo

    Bob Myers is joining the 76ers’ ownership group at a pretty interesting time.

    Philadelphia just finished a year that started with Finals expectations and ended with a 24–58 record. Some of that was injuries — Joel Embiid’s knee and Paul George’s absence derailed everything — but plenty of it was underperformance.

    The Sixers looked disjointed, inconsistent, and nowhere close to the team they thought they were building.

    So now here comes Myers, the man who helped build four champions in Golden State, leaving ESPN and stepping into an executive role with Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment.

    Officially, he’ll be focused on the business side, not basketball operations. But unofficially, this feels like a steady hand entering the picture just in case things don’t turn around quickly.

    Daryl Morey remains in charge of basketball decisions, and ownership says nothing changes structurally. Still, the optics are hard to ignore.

    When a proven winner like Myers joins your organization right after a lost season, it sends a message. The Sixers want accountability. They want results.

    If Embiid and George get healthy, the roster’s good enough to compete, perhaps contend.

    But if this season looks anything like the last one, Myers’ role could start feeling a lot less “big picture” and a lot more hands-on.

  • Bob Myers leaves ESPN to join Sixers’ ownership group

    Bob Myers leaves ESPN to join Sixers’ ownership group

    Bob Myers
    File photo

    Bob Myers is back in the game, just not in the one many expected.

    The former Warriors architect is leaving his ESPN analyst role to join Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of the Philadelphia 76ers, per a company release.

    HBSE also owns the NHL’s New Jersey Devils and Premier League club Crystal Palace, while co-founder Josh Harris serves as managing partner of the NFL’s Washington Commanders.

    “Our goal has been to hire, grow, and retain the best and brightest executives in the world, and we are a stronger, more dynamic organization with the addition of Bob Myers,” Harris and David Blitzer said in a statement.

    “His experience as an architect of championship teams will complement our existing leadership structure, while also allowing HBSE to maximize opportunities across our portfolio.”

    According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Myers’ new role won’t shake up the front offices of any HBSE teams, meaning Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey will still report directly to ownership.

    Myers is expected to focus on broader business strategy rather than daily basketball operations.

    That said, his arrival comes at an interesting time in Philadelphia. The Sixers stumbled to a 24-58 finish last season after entering the year with high expectations, leading to questions about Morey’s long-term standing.

    The team ultimately stayed the course, though Myers’ addition at the ownership level adds an intriguing new layer.

    Myers, who helped build Golden State’s four-title dynasty between 2015 and 2022, stepped away from the Warriors’ front office in 2023 and was replaced by Mike Dunleavy Jr.

    Now, he’s taking his championship résumé to a front-office suite that controls multiple major sports franchises, and one organization that’s still chasing its first title in over 40 years.

  • 76ers counting on good health in quest for bounce-back season

    76ers counting on good health in quest for bounce-back season

    Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, 76ers, NBA
    File photo

    The 76ers entered last season as one of the NBA’s title favorites. They finished it with a 24-58 record, a last-place finish in the East, and serious questions about their core, as detailed by HoopsRumors’ Luke Adams in his season preview.

    There was some thought president of basketball operations Daryl Morey might use the summer to shake things up, maybe even explore the market for Joel Embiid or Paul George.

    That never happened. Instead, Philadelphia opted for continuity. Morey and head coach Nick Nurse both stayed put. Embiid and George weren’t shopped. Veterans like Kyle Lowry, Eric Gordon, Kelly Oubre Jr., Justin Edwards and Andre Drummond all returned on new or existing deals. The Sixers didn’t make any major trades.

    Restricted free agent Quentin Grimes provided some offseason drama by dragging negotiations out until October 1, but ultimately accepted his $8.74MM qualifying offer. That gives him a no-trade clause and lines him up for unrestricted free agency in 2026, but it also keeps Philadelphia’s 2025-26 payroll manageable.

    The front office wasn’t eager to lock into a long-term deal for another guard after drafting Baylor standout VJ Edgecombe third overall and adding Jared McCain last season to a backcourt that already features Tyrese Maxey.

    The Sixers have left the door open to duck under the luxury tax line by season’s end, currently sitting less than $7MM above the threshold.

    That flexibility could factor into midseason decisions if the club gets off to another shaky start. Ownership seems to be taking a “wait and see” approach before deciding how much to spend on this group.

    Meanwhile, some under-the-radar moves could pay off. Edwards re-signed on a three-year minimum deal with a team option, and Trendon Watford came aboard on a similar two-year pact. Both could carve out rotation minutes.

    On the flip side, losing Guerschon Yabusele to the Knicks was a blow, but Philadelphia wasn’t willing to sacrifice cap flexibility to retain him.

    The Sixers are carrying just 14 standard contracts at camp and don’t appear eager to fill the final roster spot right away. Two-way players Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker bring plenty of NBA experience and could cover rotation minutes if needed. Rookie Hunter Sallis is more of a developmental piece.

    It’s been a quiet summer in Philadelphia compared to what many expected. After the chaos of last season, maybe that’s the point.

  • NBA Notes: Sixers, Quentin Grimes, Kings, Keegan Murray, Lakers

    NBA Notes: Sixers, Quentin Grimes, Kings, Keegan Murray, Lakers

    Quentin Grimes, 76ers, Sixers, NBA
    File photo

    76ers

    Quentin Grimes officially taking the qualifying offer ended the NBA’s longest contract standoff of the offseason.

    Grimes’ 3-and-D skill set made him one of the more intriguing restricted free agents on the market, but that late-season breakout in Philly didn’t translate to a big offer sheet.

    As Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer notes, team president Daryl Morey prefers to let the market dictate value. And with little cap space available league-wide, there wasn’t much incentive for anyone to overpay.

    On top of that, the Sixers already have massive financial commitments to Paul George and Joel Embiid, plus rookie-scale shooting guard depth in Jared McCain and VJ Edgecombe. Giving Grimes a hefty long-term deal could have created problems later.

    Grimes averaged 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.5 steals over 28 games last season, but one exec told Pompey those numbers came during a tanking stretch and should be viewed with context.

    Kings

    Keegan Murray’s role shifted last season, but he’s entering training camp feeling energized under coach Doug Christie.

    “I feel like there’s more movement going around, which we didn’t have last year,” Murray said, via Sean Cunningham of KCRA News.

    With Dennis Schroder, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Malik Monk and Domantas Sabonis commanding touches, Murray’s usage dipped last year. His shot attempts fell from 12.7 to 10.8 per game and his usage rate dropped to a career-low 15.0%.

    This season, he says he’s being used more in transition and off movement, which should help him find a rhythm. Christie wants him shooting 10 threes a night — less a hard quota and more a message to stay aggressive.

    Schroder’s arrival should also ease Murray’s defensive load, letting him focus on top perimeter scorers without chasing point guards all night.

    Lakers

    The Lakers have retooled the roster, but the fifth starting spot remains up for grabs, Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report writes.

    Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura and Jake LaRavia are the main contenders.

    Hachimura brings familiarity and consistent shooting (41.8% from deep over the last two seasons). LaRavia offers defensive energy and a reliable jumper. Smart brings toughness on the perimeter — something any Luka Doncic–LeBron James–Austin Reaves lineup needs.

    Jarred Vanderbilt could be a dark-horse option, though health and fit will dictate how this shakes out.

  • Sixers still unsure if Joel Embiid will be cleared when camp opens

    Sixers still unsure if Joel Embiid will be cleared when camp opens

    Joel Embiid, 76ers, Sixers, NBA
    HW/File

    With NBA training camps about six weeks away, the 76ers still cannot say for sure if Joel Embiid will be ready to go.

    Coach Nick Nurse touched on the status of the former MVP big man during an interview with Brian T. Smith of TalkSport at the Basketball Without Borders Europe camp in Manchester, England.

    Nurse admitted he is “not sure” if Embiid will be cleared in time for camp, but added that “all the news is positive” so far.

    “I know he’s working very, very hard and I think things look good,” Nurse said. “Whether he’s ready for training camp or not, I think there’s maybe a lot more decisions than that to make before we get there. But our main thing is that he’s healthy to play and play to his nearest capabilities, because he’s awesome, no doubt about that.”

    Since winning MVP in 2023, Embiid has rarely been close to full strength. He played just 39 games in 2023-24 before undergoing meniscus surgery on his left knee. Last season, he was limited to 19 games before being shut down in February, followed by arthroscopic surgery in April.

    Nurse’s comments mark the first public update since team president Daryl Morey said after the draft that Embiid was on track to return “right around” the start of camp. Even if that is the case, the Sixers intend to be careful and build him toward the season opener.

    “When he’s on the floor and any night he’s out there, we’ve got a chance to win, which is amazing,” Nurse said. “We just want to make sure and get him healthy and let him play for a longer period of time.”

    Without Embiid, Philadelphia limped to 24 wins last season after entering as a supposed title threat. Paul George appeared in only 41 games, Tyrese Maxey in 52, and injuries hit the roster from top to bottom. The Sixers even ended up using 40 different players.

    Nurse called it “a really unfortunate season” but sees signs pointing up — namely improved health and the addition of No. 3 pick VJ Edgecombe.

    “Those guys get healthy. They’re great players, and we get some better health this year,” Nurse said. “We’ll be right back in the mix and that’s what we’re looking to do.”

    More NBA News & Rumors

  • Daryl Morey Says Lakers’ 2020 Bubble Title Deserves Asterisk

    Daryl Morey Says Lakers’ 2020 Bubble Title Deserves Asterisk

    Daryl Morey, 76ers, Sixers, NBA
    Getty

    Five years ago, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers captured the 2020 NBA championship under the most unusual circumstances the league has ever seen.

    The entire postseason was played inside the NBA’s Orlando bubble, a controlled environment set up at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Players, coaches, staff — they all lived and worked at the Disney campus, unable to leave until their teams were eliminated. It was isolated, grueling, and for many, emotionally draining. But it also ended with James leading the Lakers to the franchise’s 17th title.

    Now, with some distance between then and now, that championship is once again back in the spotlight.

    In a story published Wednesday by The Athletic, veteran NBA writer Joe Vardon revisited the bubble experience, interviewing players, coaches, and executives who lived through it. One of them was former Rockets general manager Daryl Morey, who is currently running basketball operations for the Philadelphia 76ers. And let’s just say Morey didn’t hold back.

    “Had the Rockets won the title, I absolutely would have celebrated it as legitimate, knowing the immense effort and resilience required,” Morey said. “Yet, everyone I speak to around the league privately agrees that it doesn’t truly hold up as a genuine championship.”

    Morey added that while the league showed impressive leadership in navigating the early stages of the pandemic, the bubble championship will always come with an asterisk.

    That’s a strong take, and one not universally shared.

    Others quoted in the same story pushed back, arguing that winning in the bubble may have been even harder than usual. No fans, no travel, no momentum shifts. Just basketball, isolation, and mental toughness.

    James, of course, was at the center of it all. The Lakers beat the Heat in six games to secure the title. At the time, some credited the bubble with leveling the playing field. Others saw it as a pure test of focus and resilience.

    But Morey clearly doesn’t see it that way. And while he may not be the only one, plenty of voices inside and outside the league will tell you the opposite.

    So, five years later, the debate still lingers. Was the bubble championship the hardest of all? Or just the strangest?

    Like most things in NBA discourse, it depends on who you ask.

  • Pompey: Sixers Could Reassess Joel Embiid Or Paul George If Struggles Continue

    Pompey: Sixers Could Reassess Joel Embiid Or Paul George If Struggles Continue

    The Philadelphia 76ers have questions to answer, and not just about who they’ll select with the No. 3 pick in the upcoming draft.Paul George, 76ers, Sixers, NBA, Nets

    After a disappointing season that ended without a playoff appearance, the franchise is at a potential pivot point. And while a major shake-up isn’t expected just yet, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer isn’t ruling anything out if the team’s issues linger.

    In a recent mailbag, Pompey floated the possibility — however slim — that either Joel Embiid or forward Paul George could become trade candidates if the Sixers fail to right the ship early next season. Both stars are on massive, long-term deals, which would complicate any move.

    But if Philadelphia underperforms again, head of basketball operations Daryl Morey could be forced to consider dramatic options.

    Of course, such a move would be seismic, and Pompey makes it clear this isn’t something actively being explored. Still, the fact that it’s even a topic shows the uncertainty swirling around the franchise heading into a critical offseason.

    At No. 3 overall, the Sixers are widely expected to pursue a prospect who fits alongside Embiid and George, not one who replaces them. But one mailbag question pushed Pompey to consider what it would mean if the team were to select 7-foot-2 Duke center Khaman Maluach.

    That, Pompey wrote, would signal deeper internal doubts about Embiid’s long-term health and availability — something the organization hasn’t publicly acknowledged. Maluach, a raw but high-upside prospect, is not expected to be the Sixers’ pick.

    Still, the idea reflects a growing sentiment among fans, and that would be that it may be time to think about what comes after Embiid, even if the Sixers aren’t ready to say it out loud.

    For now, all signs point to the Sixers staying the course, using the pick to add a complementary piece and counting on a healthy Embiid-George duo to return to contention.

    But the pressure is real. And if next season mirrors the last, everything and everyone could be on the table.