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James Harden’s declaration that Daryl Morey is a liar marked a pivotal moment for the Philadelphia 76ers, signaling that their season was effectively over. Trading away their second-best player for what seemed like spare parts didn’t appear to strengthen the team. However, Morey’s strategy was calculated, acquiring four players along with control over two first-round and two second-round picks. This decision allows the Sixers to amass significant cap space this offseason, positioning them to pursue a superstar.

Tyrese Maxey, who has worked hard over the past three years to elevate his game to an All-Star level, is at the center of this strategy. Morey approached Maxey, asking him to delay signing his lucrative second contract to maintain flexibility for the team’s future. Maxey agreed, putting his own financial security on hold, which could be risky given the unpredictable nature of injuries in sports.

With nearly $65 million in cap space, the Sixers have the potential to replace Tobias Harris’s $40 million contract with a more impactful player. This move is critical because Joel Embiid, an MVP but yet to make a Conference Finals appearance, needs all the help he can get to finally contend for a championship. However, finding the right star to pair with Embiid comes with challenges.

As the NBA playoffs approach, teams are keeping a keen eye on potential star players. The offseason will see several big names, including LeBron James, Paul George, and James Harden, possibly on the move. Reports suggest that Paul George may be the top target for the 76ers, but convincing him to join a team with an injury-prone star like Embiid could prove difficult.

If George chooses to remain with the Clippers, the 76ers may be forced to explore other options, such as signing elite role players like Klay Thompson, DeMar DeRozan, or Malik Monk. Yet, Embiid’s desire for a true superstar partner could complicate matters. An alternative could be trading for a star without sacrificing current players. Teams looking to offload disgruntled stars could see the 76ers as an attractive option, given their cap space.

One name that has surfaced is Jimmy Butler, who once played for the 76ers before finding success in Miami. Butler, however, has reportedly sought a two-year Max extension with the Heat, and his age (turning 35 before next season) raises questions about a long-term investment. The 76ers might face a dilemma similar to that of the Phoenix Suns, who assembled their own trio of stars but struggled with depth as a result.

A key distinction for Philadelphia is their wealth of free agents—12 in total—affording them the opportunity to sign a Max contract while still maintaining depth. Yet, this scenario comes with underlying concerns regarding Embiid’s postseason performance. His playoff track record has raised eyebrows, particularly in critical moments of games, and he often disappears during high-stakes fourth quarters.

With increasing pressure on Morey to execute successful moves, the 76ers find themselves at a crossroads. If they fail to capitalize on their opportunities, both Morey and Embiid may find their futures in Philadelphia jeopardized.

On the other end of the spectrum, Victor Wembanyama’s offseason is generating excitement in San Antonio, especially regarding how the Spurs plan to develop their young star. As Wembanyama’s teammates look on, they may feel both eager and apprehensive about what lies ahead for the team.

As the offseason unfolds, the decisions made by both the Sixers and the Spurs will shape the landscape of the league and their respective futures. For Philadelphia, it’s a make-or-break situation, while for San Antonio, it’s a chance to build around a generational talent.