Amidst swirling rumors and front-office upheaval, the 76ers face a crossroads. While pundits suggest a departure, Tyrese Maxey has been an investment that cements the young star as their indispensable cornerstone.
The Philadelphia 76ers have plenty of difficult questions to answer this offseason, but Tyrese Maxey’s future should not be one of them.
After another disappointing playoff exit, the franchise may need to rethink its front office, its aging core and the way it builds around its stars. But Maxey should be the piece Philadelphia builds around.
The conversation started after First Take posted Stephen A. Smith’s argument that Maxey should “strongly consider” leaving the 76ers. The point is understandable from an outside perspective. Philadelphia has been unstable for years, and the latest postseason ended with the Knicks sweeping the Sixers out of the second round. Daryl Morey is also out as president of basketball operations, adding another layer of uncertainty around the franchise.
Still, it would be odd for Maxey to push his way out now. The team is transitioning to becoming his. Joel Embiid remains the biggest name, but his injuries have made it harder to build every plan around him. Paul George is older and expensive. VJ Edgecombe is promising, but still developing. Maxey is the bridge between the current Sixers and the next era.
He also showed up when Philadelphia needed him most. In Game 7 against Boston, Maxey delivered 30 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists in a 109-100 win that completed the Sixers’ 3-1 comeback.
The Sixers already made a long-term commitment to him, signing him to a five-year, $204 million extension in 2024. Philadelphia clearly values him now and for the future. Maxey wanting to leave when the franchise placed that faith in him doesn’t add up.
Philadelphia has to build around Maxey: more shooting, more athletic defenders, a reliable backup point guard, better center depth, and a system that lets him attack without having to carry every possession. Given time and a clearer roster vision, Maxey can be the face of the next good Sixers team.
Leaving might sound tempting from the outside. But in Philadelphia, Maxey is seen as a franchise cornerstone, which isn’t something many young players in the league can say.
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Wes Dixon is a contributing writer to 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached at dixonwesley286@gmail.com.