Tyrese Maxey was asked to be patient and delay his contract extension with the Philadelphia 76ers until this summer. Despite not yet being an All-Star or achieving multiple 50-point games, Maxey had some uncertainties about the decision a year ago.
The 76ers’ strategy was clear: by holding off on Maxey’s extension, they could start the off-season with a lower salary cap hold of $13 million. This financial maneuver allowed them significant flexibility, enabling them to make big moves in free agency, such as signing Paul George to a four-year, $212 million deal after he departed from the Los Angeles Clippers.
Even with the focus on adding George, the 76ers didn’t overlook Maxey’s contributions. Recognizing his growth as the NBA’s Most Improved Player, they rewarded him with a five-year, $204 million extension.
This commitment to Maxey and George’s signing represents the 76ers’ ambitious push to become top contenders in the league, aiming to challenge the reigning NBA champions, the Boston Celtics.
Daryl Morey, the team president, credited Maxey’s patience as instrumental in their offseason plans, positioning the 76ers as legitimate title contenders this season.
The 76ers have long considered themselves serious contenders, but have seen several big-name players come and go without delivering much success in the playoffs. From Ben Simmons to Tobias Harris, and from Jimmy Butler to Al Horford, Philly fans can list the disappointments easily.
Both 34-year-old Paul George and Tyrese Maxey held their first official press conferences at the 76ers’ New Jersey facility on Tuesday, joined by team ownership and the front office. They expressed confidence that this season could finally be the breakthrough Philly has been waiting for.
“I believe we’re in a great position,” team owner Josh Harris remarked. “It’s hard not to be excited about this team. In my 10 or 12 years here, this may be one of the best teams we’ve had.”
Maxey showed faith that waiting a year for his contract extension would pay off, feeling settled in Philadelphia since being drafted 21st in 2020. “I understood the bigger picture,” Maxey said. “Sometimes you have to trust the process.”
George, who has averaged 20.8 points per game over his 14-year career, wanted a change from the Clippers and turned down a $48.8 million player option for 2024-25 after five years with the team, during which he consistently scored over 21.5 points per season.
According to George, Philadelphia was his top choice in free agency because the team “fits my style of play and where I am in my career.”
However, the 76ers’ offer of approximately $60 million more than the Clippers’ proposal played a significant role in George’s decision, which he described as a response to what he considered a “disrespectful” offer from his former team.
The 76ers have long considered themselves serious contenders, but have seen several big-name players come and go without delivering much success in the playoffs. From Ben Simmons to Tobias Harris, and from Jimmy Butler to Al Horford, Philly fans can list the disappointments easily.
Both 34-year-old Paul George and Tyrese Maxey held their first official press conferences at the 76ers’ New Jersey facility on Tuesday, joined by team ownership and the front office. They expressed confidence that this season could finally be the breakthrough Philly has been waiting for.
“I believe we’re in a great position,” team owner Josh Harris remarked. “It’s hard not to be excited about this team. In my 10 or 12 years here, this may be one of the best teams we’ve had.”
Maxey showed faith that waiting a year for his contract extension would pay off, feeling settled in Philadelphia since being drafted 21st in 2020. “I understood the bigger picture,” Maxey said. “Sometimes you have to trust the process.”
George, who has averaged 20.8 points per game over his 14-year career, wanted a change from the Clippers and turned down a $48.8 million player option for 2024-25 after five years with the team, during which he consistently scored over 21.5 points per season.
According to George, Philadelphia was his top choice in free agency because the team “fits my style of play and where I am in my career.”
However, the 76ers’ offer of approximately $60 million more than the Clippers’ proposal played a significant role in George’s decision, which he described as a response to what he considered a “disrespectful” offer from his former team.
