76ERS News: $204 Million Bet on 23YO Star Gives Joel Embiid 1 Year to Prove His Worth After Paul George’s Arrival

With the Philadelphia 76ers welcoming the 9-time All-Star, Paul George, the squad is on the contenders’ end in the East. Joel Embiid, PG13, and Tyrese Maxey are going to be a serious threat in the following season. However, as 12 players from Philly have entered free agency, the front office is looking to re-sign some of them. Maxey, on the other hand, was a restricted free agent after the Sixers offered him a huge contract extension.

Maxey has been pretty solid during the regular season as well as in the playoffs. The 23-year-old signed a maximum contract extension worth $204 million for the next five years. This came after the franchise signed PG on a four-year $212 million contract. However, this seems like the last stretch from the Sixers. They’ve tried everything, building a team around Embiid, but have never seen past the second round of the postseason.  If this formation doesn’t work out, the front office might need to make desperate changes. And these changes may include Embiid’s departure from Philly. “If Joel Embiid is healthy and this does not work, Joel Embiid is on the trading block next year.”, said Evan Cohen, reacting to the Sixers’ adding PG13.

Of course, the Sixers had quite some cap space to spare, as they prioritized what they should have. Maxey and George signed their desired and worthy contracts. But the real question arises, how can they make this work? Now that the Sixers have their big three assembled, they need to bring back players like Batum and Hield. Kelly Oubre recently re-signed with the Sixers in a two-year deal. He is a crucial asset and will play an important role in the upcoming season alongside the current players. But the role players are yet to be added to their active roster.

Looking at the East and how dense the Conference is, so far, the Sixers have all the pieces to stand out. They have an MVP-caliber player in the pain, an upcoming elite scorer, and the all-rounder from LA.  In the past, players like Jimmy Butler, James Harden, Al Horford, and others have played alongside the franchise’s longtime center. They’ve tried their best to build a team around the Cameroonian, though only this time have they reached to a point where this may be their last try with Embiid and co-stars. While they have a strong chance at making it out of the East, the Sixers will have to be careful with their next move.

What’s next for Joel Embiid and company?

A perfect starting lineup would include Oubre Jr. and a desired forward along with the big three. Apart from these four players, the currently active roster only has bench players including veteran, Eric Gordon. Things get a little tight as the Sixers near the luxury tax limit. Following their recent transactions, the team’s salary is projected to be around $164.9 million. As they go on to add more players, and hopefully a role player for the forward position, the Sixers will cross the first apron.

But shouldn’t be a problem, as at the end of the day, Philly needs role players to support their star-studded lineup. The Sixers will be a threat going up against teams like the Celtics, the Knicks, and the Bucks, which seem to be their only competitors in the East. However, playing their roster accordingly and keeping track of the rotations can be a way to progress. Of course, they may not win a championship in their first season together, but standing out during the season and a deep postseason run will be a sign to work on this newly constructed squad.

It will be interesting to see PG and Embiid on the floor, as the Sixers look to make a statement next year. What are your thoughts on the Sixers? Do you think they can make it out of the East? Let us know in the comments.

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