All A-Grade Moves! Did the 76ers Just Set Themselves Up for a Breakout Season?

When it comes to making noise this offseason, no team has been louder than the Philadelphia 76ers. Going into the summer, the Sixers had only two key rotation players—Joel Embiid and Paul Reed—under contract for the upcoming season. Fast forward to now, and the 76ers have nearly filled out their roster with some seriously impressive additions. These moves have not only bolstered their depth but have also positioned them as strong contenders in the Eastern Conference. So, what exactly did the Sixers do this summer, and what does their new roster look like? More importantly, does this team have what it takes to make a serious run at the NBA title? Let’s break down Philadelphia’s ten major offseason moves and what they mean for the team's championship aspirations.

1. Signing Paul George to a 4-Year, $212 Million Deal

Despite being 34 years old, Paul George was one of the most sought-after free agents this summer. Last season, George made the All-Star team while averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, all while shooting 41.3% from beyond the arc with a true shooting percentage of 61.3%. For many teams, a four-year max contract for George might seem risky given his age, but the 76ers are in win-now mode. The primary focus for them is George’s performance over the next two seasons. If George helps deliver an NBA title or even just an NBA Finals appearance, the contract will be worth every penny.

2. Extending Tyrese Maxey for 5 Years, $204 Million

Re-signing Tyrese Maxey was a no-brainer. Last season, Maxey took a significant leap, averaging career-highs in points (25.9), rebounds (3.7), and assists (6.2) per game. His stellar play earned him both an All-Star nod and the Most Improved Player award. Maxey’s max-level extension was practically guaranteed, and the fact that he didn’t qualify for a supermax deal (due to not making an All-NBA team) saved the 76ers $40 million over the next five years. This extension ensures that the Sixers have a young, dynamic guard locked in for the foreseeable future.

3. Signing Caleb Martin for 4 Years, $40 Million

Caleb Martin might be the biggest steal of the summer for the 76ers. After overestimating his market value, Martin turned down a $65 million offer from the Miami Heat, only to sign a four-year, $40 million deal with Philadelphia (with $35 million guaranteed and a player option for the final year). Last season, Martin averaged 10.0 points per game, and that number jumped to 11.6 in the playoffs. He has a knack for stepping up against the Boston Celtics, as evidenced by his impactful performances in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals. In the upcoming season, Martin is expected to play a key role as a scorer for the 76ers.

4. Re-signing Kelly Oubre Jr. for 2 Years, $16.3 Million

Kelly Oubre Jr. proved to be one of the biggest surprises for the 76ers last season, especially considering he initially signed a minimum deal. He quickly outperformed that contract, averaging 15.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. Even though the Sixers were eliminated in the first round, Oubre maintained solid production in the playoffs, averaging 13.2 points with a 39.1% shooting percentage from three-point range. Securing Oubre on a two-year, $16.3 million deal was a great move for Philadelphia, especially given how well he fits into Nick Nurse’s system alongside stars like Embiid and Maxey.

5. Re-signing Kenyon Martin Jr. for 2 Years, $16 Million

This was one of the more surprising moves of the offseason. Kenyon Martin Jr. didn’t receive a ton of playing time last season, averaging just 12.3 minutes, 3.7 points, and 2.2 rebounds per game with a 54.4% shooting percentage. However, the 76ers see potential and energy in Martin that they believe can be developed. Notably, the second year of his contract is non-guaranteed, giving the Sixers some flexibility if things don’t pan out. Martin could also serve as a valuable trade asset down the line.

6. Signing Andre Drummond for 2 Years, $10 Million

This might be one of the most underrated moves of the summer. Andre Drummond was one of the best backup centers available on the market. Last season with the Chicago Bulls, Drummond averaged 8.4 points and 9.0 rebounds per game while shooting 55.6% from the field—all in just 17.1 minutes per game. There were times when Drummond was even more effective than starting center Nikola Vucevic. Drummond has already proven to be a good fit as Embiid’s backup in the past, so there’s plenty of optimism surrounding their reunion.

7. Re-signing Kyle Lowry for 1 Year on a Veteran’s Minimum

Kyle Lowry may be 38 years old, but he’s still capable of playing nearly 30 minutes per game in the playoffs. Signing Lowry to a veteran’s minimum deal to provide leadership and stability alongside stars like Embiid, Maxey, and George is a low-risk, high-reward move. Plus, his history with Nick Nurse, which includes winning a championship together in Toronto, makes him an invaluable presence in the locker room.

8. Signing Eric Gordon for 1 Year on a Veteran’s Minimum

Another veteran addition, Eric Gordon, who is now over 35, still has plenty to offer. Last season, he averaged 11.0 points per game during the regular season and played nearly 30 minutes per game in the playoffs, where he shot 41.2% from three-point range. Considering he was playing alongside the Phoenix Suns' star trio, his production was impressive. Signing Gordon on a minimum deal adds much-needed bench scoring and shooting to the Sixers’ roster.

9. Signing Reggie Jackson for 1 Year on a Veteran’s Minimum

Reggie Jackson might have been offloaded by the Denver Nuggets for three second-round picks this summer, but that doesn’t diminish his value. Last season, Jackson averaged 10.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game in the regular season. He’s a classic example of a player who thrives with the ball in his hands, and the 76ers are taking a low-cost gamble on his ability to adapt to their system. With veterans like Lowry and Gordon already in place, Jackson will have to prove his worth, but at the veteran minimum, it’s a risk worth taking.

10. Signing Guerschon Yabusele for 1 Year, $2.1 Million

Guerschon Yabusele’s last stint in the NBA wasn’t exactly memorable, as he only lasted two years before being waived. However, his performance in the recent FIBA World Cup, where he excelled against top teams like Canada, Germany, and the United States, caught the attention of NBA scouts. He averaged nearly 20 points per game in the elimination rounds, showcasing his ability to perform on the big stage. While not every FIBA standout translates to NBA success, Yabusele’s potential makes him a worthwhile investment for the 76ers at the veteran minimum.

Evaluating the 76ers’ Offseason

The 76ers did lose some players this summer, including Tobias Harris, Paul Reed (who was waived), Buddy Hield, and Nicolas Batum. However, their ten offseason acquisitions more than make up for those losses. The Sixers have built a roster with strong depth, balanced scoring, and a good mix of veterans and younger players with potential.

As the new season approaches, the potential starting lineup for the 76ers could look like this: Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, Caleb Martin, and Kelly Oubre Jr. The bench unit would feature experienced players like Kyle Lowry, Guerschon Yabusele, Andre Drummond, Kenyon Martin Jr., Reggie Jackson, Eric Gordon, and rookie Terquavion McCain. The balance across positions is evident, and the depth should allow them to compete on both ends of the floor.

It’s clear that the 76ers have constructed a roster capable of making a deep playoff run, but how far they go will ultimately depend on the performance of their stars. Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey will need to play at an elite level to guide this team to a championship. And, to be frank, everything hinges on Embiid. After gaining valuable experience in international play this summer, all eyes will be on “The Process” to see if he can finally lead Philadelphia to an NBA title.