Sixers with a truly amazing loss last night to the Nets as Sean marks probably wants to blow his brains out. Number one pick is within sight for the Sixers. The process is working.
It’s crazy the’ve been this bad while technically “trying” to win / not tanking. Sounds like they might be shutting Embiid down soon as the team doctors are “considering alternative options” for his knee. He’s got 4 fully guaranteed years for $248M total due to him after this year. Yikes.
And Paul George has 3 more years at 51.6, 54.1, and 56.6
There is a chance come next deadline that Embiid and George have the two worst contracts in the league
This has to be the most embarrassing tank/rebuild ever. One highly debated MVP and not even a single conference finals appearance.
Who’s in a worse spot going forward: Philly or Phoenix?
Who says no: Beal for Embiid?
Phoenix. Philly has picks at least
I would lean Phoenix as well, but it is really close and it will depend on who realizes they need to sell first.
The fact that Phoenix listened to offers for Durant it huge and I could see a likely scenario where George and Embiid are somewhat healthy next year and they have a top four record in the East and they buy and waste some picks.
I still think Philly is more embarrassing. All those picks and all those years of tanking for nothing. At least Phoenix made a finals and then tried something bold when they couldn't get over the hump.
If PHX wanted to blow it up, they could trade Durant for a decent haul and Booker for a couple of their picks back from Houston. Beal is a sunk cost, but if they were looking to tank for the next few seasons, he might actually wave his no-trade, or worst case, he's a good enough player to give a team some structure for young guys without forcing too many wins. They aren't in a good position but it could be a lot more reasonable than people think.
Philly is clearly in the better position though. If they wanted to blow it up, I think George could probably be given away (with maybe a little bit of bad salary coming back), Maxey would get them a haul as he would be a clean fit anywhere that needed a PG plus he has a long contract was born in 2000. Philly's issue is that they are stuck for probably one more season to see if Embiid can turn it around. At that point George could be the worst contract in the league.... outside of Embiid if he doesn't turn it around (Beal will only have on year left after next season).