The Philadelphia 76ers are fighting against the clock to build the ’76 Place’ in their preferred location of Chinatown. Philly has been trying its best not to stray far from the city. However, their proposal has been met with backlash from small businesses as well as concerns about traffic congestion. However, the reality of the matter is that the Sixers are seriously “running out of time.” If their plan to build a new arena by the start of the 2031-32 NBA season has to be realized, the 76ers must start the work as soon as possible.

And if that means moving away from Philadelphia, then it’s a potential option they might just take seriously. To provide more incentives, New Jersey has suddenly come forward with something of a ‘too good’ deal.

Philadelphia 76ers find themselves getting swayed by an offer from New Jersey

Reported first by ROI-NJ News, here’s an update concerning the building of the proposed arena. “New Jersey has sent a “written proposal” to the #Sixers detailing a new arena project in Camden — should the team decide to relocate to the Garden State, a team spokesperson told @ROINJNews.“

“We have worked tirelessly for the past 5 years to build an arena in Philadelphia, and negotiations remain ongoing with city leadership regarding our proposal at Market East. The reality is, we are running out of time to reach an agreement that will allow the 76ers to open our new home in time for the 2031-32 NBA season. As a result, we must take all potential options seriously, including this one.”

It laid out how New Jersey would “make land available on a former state prison site area that is adjacent to the Delaware River and north of the Ben Franklin Bridge.” Team officials have been “meeting regularly” with New Jersey officials — as the original plan of building 76 Place in the Fashion District/Chinatown continues to face backlash.

Governor Phil Murphy and his administration have long been supportive of a Sixers arena in Camden. With their training facility already situated there, their hosting the Philadelphia 76ers makes complete sense. As such, the “written proposal” also included quite a big carrot, in a manner of speaking. The letter detailed that the State was willing to award up to $400 million in tax credits, not to mention, borrow hundreds of millions of dollars.

But why?

State officials believe ’76 Place’ in Camden could open new doors for the city

That is indeed the motivating factor for the whole thing. Not just the city, but the whole state could benefit if the Philadelphia 76ers made Camden their home. Of course, the idea was initially floated because of the lack of progress in Philly. However, Murphy’s idea definitely encompassed his vision for the future.

According to the Inquirer, a “multibillion-dollar privately led” development north of the Ben Franklin Bridge that would be anchored by a “world-class arena” and includes the “development of significant residential, commercial, and retail offerings” is what Governor Murphy envisions.

It sure paints a pretty picture. In addition, the land they offered, the Riverfront State Prison – now demolished- could prove to be a real catch as the 76ers could get it for little to no cost. But it doesn’t stop there. Were the Sixers to go forward with this, they would have to ensure they agree to “a comprehensive Community Benefits Agreement, strong local hiring and union labor provisions.”

It simply means that the local communities would benefit from their arrival. As would the state. Anyway, with such strong points going for Camden, the 76ers are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Stay tuned to find out more!

Feel that you can do with another update from the sport of basketball? Then do check out this recent interview with the up-and-coming Georgia Lady Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.