As the Philadelphia 76ers deal with James Harden trade talks, ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst threw more light into their affairs for this year’s free agency. Speaking in the Hoops Collective Podcast, Windhorst confirmed that 6’2″ guard Tyrese Maxey had been declared untouchable by the 76ers. It seems like the 76ers are adamant about not trading Maxey, even if they are offered prime Michael Jordan, 25-year-old LeBron James, or Giannis Antetokounmpo in exchange.
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The Philadelphia side were left empty-handed in the 2023 NBA Draft after trading away their first-rounder two seasons ago. Furthermore, they also lost their second-rounders because of ‘tampering’ claims in the signings of PJ Tucker and Danuel House Jr. After the draft, they have only been able to add a few names, such as Ricky Council IV, Azuolas Tubelis, Terqyavion Smith and Marcus Bagley to the roster. With even James Harden demanding a trade, it is crucial for the Philadelphia franchise to save one of their last good players on the roster.
Brian Windhorst confirms Tyrese Maxey is untouchable for the 76ers
Brian Windhorst confirms the 76ers are very serious about retaining their 6’2″ guard Tyrese Maxey. The 2020 NBA Draft’s 21st overall pick transitioned as a starter only toward the end of the 2021-22 season. Since then, he has shown significant potential, scoring a career-high of 44 points in October 2022. Maxey also has an excellent three-point percentage as a player, tied with Danny Green and Dana Barros for most three-pointers made in a game in 76ers history.
Here is a clip tweeted by Clutch Points of Brian Windhorst describing the 76ers’ situation with Tyrese Maxey in this year’s NBA trade market. Windhorst said during the revelation on his Hoop Collective podcast, “Prime Michael Jordan is available? Don’t call. 25-year-old LeBron James is available? Lose our number. Giannis Antetokounmpo says, ‘I want to be a Sixer.’ If Tyrese Maxey is the ask, just keep walking.”
Speaking about Maxey, Windhorst compared his worth for the team as huge as top NBA players and even prime Michael Jordan. In his podcast, the ESPN analyst confirmed that Maxey would not be available for trade, even if the 76ers obtained prime MJ, 25-year-old LeBron James, or Giannis Antetokounmpo in exchange.
The Sixers seem to have potentially significant plans for Maxey, perhaps even building a core around him and Joel Embiid for the upcoming seasons. Retaining Maxey would be wise for the Sixers’ future if James Harden were to be traded this season. Furthermore, with the incoming news of Damian Lillard requesting a trade, there seems to be a slight chance of him being a Sixer. This could lead to forming a ‘Big 3’ alongside Embiid and Maxey in Philly.
Maxey might prove to be a significant asset for the Sixers alongside Joel Embiid
Tyrese Maxey has significantly improved from his rookie season. After he has transitioned into a starter, he has been one of the best players to take three-point shots and score field goals for the Sixers. Along with with Joel Embiid, retaining the 6’2″ guard would be a significant decision for the Sixers. Perhaps, Maxey would emerge as a prime asset of the franchise if the Sixers were to extend his contract further.
The James Harden situation seems to complicate things even further. Perhaps retaining Maxey is a security measure for the Sixers. They are not extending his contract but might do so in the next off-season. Maxey would hold a $13 million salary cap next season as a restricted free agent, allowing Sixers to retain him and pursue other targets.
