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PHILADELPHIA — Tyrese Maxey has been patient. Despite uncertainties, he waited, and now the Philadelphia 76ers have rewarded him handsomely.
A year ago, the 76ers asked Maxey to delay signing a contract extension, promising that it would be worth the wait. At the time, Maxey was not yet an All-Star and had not scored 50 points in a game. The delay allowed the team to manage their salary cap effectively, entering free agency with around $65 million to spend.
This strategic move paid off when the 76ers landed Paul George from the Los Angeles Clippers with a four-year, $212 million contract. Maxey, the NBA’s Most Improved Player, also received his due—a five-year, $204 million extension. With these signings, the 76ers have committed over $400 million to two players they believe can help them dethrone the reigning NBA champions, the Boston Celtics.
“Maxey’s patience has allowed us to assemble a roster that positions us as true contenders this season,” said team president Daryl Morey.
The 76ers have long seen themselves as title contenders, but past rosters have fallen short. Fans recall the disappointments involving players like Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris, and James Harden. However, this time, the team feels different.
On Tuesday, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey held their first official press conference at the 76ers’ New Jersey facility. Ownership, management, and teammates were present, all expressing optimism about the upcoming season.
“I think we’re good to go,” said team owner Josh Harris. “This is among the best teams we’ve had in my time here.”
Maxey, who took a leap of faith by waiting, has found a home in Philadelphia. “I understood what the end goal was,” he said. “Sometimes you have to realize that.”
Paul George, who has averaged 20.8 points over his 14-year career, left the Clippers after declining a player option on his $48.8 million contract for the 2024-25 season. George chose Philadelphia because he felt the team fit his game and career stage. Financially, the 76ers’ offer of $60 million more than the Clippers’ was a significant factor.
Despite earlier comments about preferring to stay in Los Angeles, George expressed no ill will towards the Clippers, thanking them for the opportunity to chase a championship.
George now joins Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey to form a formidable trio in Philadelphia. “Joel was secretly one of my closest friends at the All-Star Game,” George said. “It just seemed inevitable that we would become teammates.”
The 76ers’ pursuit of a championship has been a long journey. The franchise hasn’t advanced past the second round of the playoffs since 2001 and hasn’t won a title since 1983.
George, who has yet to win an NBA title, knows the goal in Philadelphia is clear: “Obviously, win,” he said, adding humorously, “and get past the second round.”
In addition to George, the 76ers have bolstered their roster with veterans like Kyle Lowry and Kelly Oubre Jr., and new additions such as Andre Drummond, Caleb Martin, KJ Martin, and draft picks Jared McCain and Adem Bona.
Head coach Nick Nurse is optimistic but cautious. “Most of my ideas are written in pencil,” Nurse said. “We’re going to experiment and try a lot of different things.”
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