An NBA analyst claims the Philadelphia 76ers' biggest fear right now should be two of the contracts on their roster.
The Philadelphia 76ers have three maximum contracts on their books: Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Paul George.
Unfortunately, only one of the deals is viewed in a positive light. That, of course, being Maxey's five-year, $203 million contract. The 25-year-old is having a career year, averaging career highs across the board and earning an All-Star starter selection for the first time.
The same praise cannot be given to the contracts of Embiid or George. This is why Bleacher Report identified the 76ers' biggest fear as "financial prison."
"Philadelphia is home to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the two worst contracts in the entire NBA," B/R's Greg Swartz wrote. "An estimated 67.6 percent of the entire salary cap will go to Embiid and George alone next season, severely limiting the 76ers options in free agency and even their ability to retain their own free agents."
George is in the second season of his four-year, $211 million contract, with the final season of the deal being a player option. It feels almost inevitable George accepts the $56.5 million option for the 2027-2028 campaign.
The harsh reality is George just simply isn't worth this much anymore. He is averaging 16.4 points on 42.8% shooting in 28 games played this season. While his secondary scoring and defensive prowess are integral to Philadelphia's success, it comes at too high a cost.
"There's zero chance either of these former stars gets traded, not with their lack of production, durability or both. Philly will be stuck working around these massive contracts for the next two-to-three years," Swartz concluded.
The value of Embiid's contract is a bit more debatable, as when he is on the floor, he has maintained a superstar-caliber level of play. Take Wednesday's game against the Chicago Bulls, for example. Embiid recorded 35 points on 70.6% shooting in just 28 minutes of action.
That level of production is absolutely worth the three-year, $187 million extension he begins next season, but the problem is he's sidelined more often than not.
Time will tell just how costly these lucrative contracts are to Philadelphia's success.
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