Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey has finally revealed why the franchise isn’t signing Tyrese Maxey to a rookie-scale NBA extension. According to Morey, the Sixers will be able to add a significant player next summer before they sign Maxey to a new contract in restricted free agency.
Even though the Sixers are interested in trading for Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard, they will not part ways with Maxey. Lillard has requested a trade from the Blazers and only wants to get traded to the Miami Heat.
Maxey is one of the top young players in the NBA. He averaged 20.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists this past season while shooting 48.1% from the field, 43.4% from beyond the arc and 84.5% from the free-throw line.
In the 2023 playoffs against the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics, Maxey put up 20.5 points, 4.8 boards and 2.3 assists per game. The Sixers lost to the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in seven games despite having a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series. Doc Rivers was fired as head coach and replaced by former Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Tyrese Maxey & Philadephia 76ers Updates
Maxey has career averages of 15.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists. He was the 21st overall pick in the 2020 draft and has turned into a fan favorite in Philadelphia.
The Sixers are currently dealing with James Harden’s trade request. The former MVP opted into his 2023-24 player option with Philly and is working with the organization on a trade. Harden wants to get traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, but the Sixers don’t have to honor the trade request since Harden doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Tyrese Maxey & Philadephia 76ers Updates
If the Sixers trade Harden, Maxey’s usage rate will increase next season and the youngster could make an All-Star team if he puts up stellar numbers.
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