Overview of Sixers’ Roster Following 2023 NBA Draft
Heading into the 2023 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers were empty-handed. After trading away their first-rounder two seasons ago and losing their second-rounder as a result of tampering in the signings of PJ Tucker and Danuel House Jr., Philadelphia needed to trade their way back into the event on Thursday.
In the weeks leading up to the draft, the Sixers were reportedly searching for a way to get into the second round to add a rookie to develop while on an affordable contract. Two rounds and nearly 60 picks came and went without the Sixers trading their way into the draft.
While Philadelphia didn’t get a pick to select a rookie to add to their roster, the Sixers did make a few signings shortly after the draft wrapped up. Heading into the free agency portion of the offseason, the Sixers added a few new members via two-way deals and Exhibit-10 contracts.
With the new additions following the draft and the current players under contract already, let’s take a look at the current state of the Sixers’ roster for 2023-2024.
New Sixers addition Ricky Council playing for Arkansas.
Post-NBA Draft Additions
- Ricky Council IV, G
- Marcus Bagley, G
With the second round being a low-risk gamble, the Sixers likely weren’t disappointed in the fact they struck out trying to acquire a late pick. With four new additions following the draft, the Sixers have a chance to find a possible diamond in the rough.
Council, Tubelis, and Smith will fill out the Sixers’ two-way spots on the roster for the time being. Therefore, they’ll likely compete with the team in the Summer League and will spend time with Philly’s G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats, throughout the season.
As for Marcus Bagley, he’s expected to sign an Exhibit-10 deal. Similar to the two-way prospects, Bagley will likely gain some reps in Vegas next month. If all goes according to plan, he’ll play for the Blue Coats next season.
76ers guard James Harden
Players With Options
- James Harden, G
- Danuel House Jr., F
The future of James Harden remains the biggest question mark surrounding the Sixers' offseason. With a $35 million option on the table, Harden could pick it up and play in Philly for the 2023-2024 season and hit the free agency market next summer. The league-wide expectation is that Harden will expedite his trip to free agency by declining the option this year. He has until June 29 to decide.
Danuel House Jr. didn’t waste much time deciding on his future with the 76ers. After inking a one-plus-one deal last offseason, House had until June 21 to decide whether or not he would come back for a second season in Philadelphia. He made his decision to pick up the option on June 2. House will make $4.3 million in Philly next season.
After spending the 2022-2023 season going back and forth with Paul Reed in the backup center spot, it’s apparent that Montrezl Harrell wasn’t thrilled with how his lone season with the Sixers panned out. The veteran center had a $2.7 million option on the table, which he declined earlier in the week. Harrell is set to become a free agent this summer; the likelihood of him returning to the Sixers is low.
76ers center Paul Reed
Future Free Agents
- Paul Reed, C
- Shake Milton, G
- Jalen McDaniels, F
- Dewayne Dedmon, C
Paul Reed will be the only prospect on this list that enters the free agency market restricted. Any team that makes an offer could potentially be matched by the Sixers. Reed boosted his value this season by playing well down the stretch of the regular season and impressing during the first round of the playoffs. However, there is mutual interest in keeping Reed’s partnership with the 76ers going.
Two other names to pay close attention to are Jalen McDaniels and Georges Niang. Over the last two seasons, Niang’s been a reliable sharpshooter for the Sixers and a great locker room presence. He might garner a crowded market, but the Sixers will likely keep tabs on the veteran forward.
As for Jalen McDaniels, Daryl Morey made it clear after a mid-season trade to land the young wing from the Charlotte Hornets that the plan is to keep him around long-term. McDaniels is expected to have a handful of teams pursue him in free agency.
As for Shake Milton and Dewayne Dedmon, they are the two that seem unlikely to return. It was clear when the Sixers brought in Dedmon it was going to be a one-time occasion. As for Milton, he’s going to want a chance to earn steady minutes elsewhere. After showing a lot of promise with the Sixers over the years, Milton could benefit from a change of scenery.
76ers center Joel Embiid and forward Tobias Harris
Under Contract for 2023-2024
- Joel Embiid, C
- Tyrese Maxey, G
- De’Anthony Melton, G
- PJ Tucker, F
- *Filip Petrusev, C
The NBA Draft has come and gone without Philly’s forward Tobias Harris getting dealt. That was expected to be the case, but Harris will still be a name to keep an eye on as teams seem to be eyeing up the sharpshooting forward. So far, several teams have inquired. The Sixers aren’t anywhere close to getting something done, though.
Another name to keep an eye on in potential trade talks would be Furkan Korkmaz. Although Doc Rivers denied that the Turkish veteran requested a trade ahead of the deadline, Daryl Morey confirmed that was indeed the case. Unfortunately, the Sixers couldn’t find the right deal to satisfy all parties involved. It’s unclear where Korkmaz’s head is at these days regarding a trade, but he is entering the final season of his three-year contract.
Lastly, we’ll discuss the Serbian center, Filip Petrusev. Technically, he’s an overseas stash, and that’s been the case since he was drafted in 2021. Although Petrusev has wanted NBA action since he was selected by the Sixers in the second round out of Gonzaga, Philadelphia wasn’t ready to bring him over. It seems his time in the Association could be coming. Morey has yet to confirm anything, but multiple reports have indicated that the Sixers might be ready to add the big man to the roster. He’ll be a player to keep an eye on in Las Vegas next month.
