Sixers backup center Paul Reed had the best regular season of his career in 2023/24, posting career-best marks in every major counting stat while appearing in all 82 games (24 starts), including 7.3 PPG, 6.0 RPG and 1.0 BPG in 19.4 MPG.
However, as Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer writes (subscriber link), Reed struggled mightily on both ends of the court in the team’s first-round loss to New York, with those averages falling to 1.5 PPG, 2.7 RPG and 0.5 BPG in 7.2 MPG.
The 24-year-old signed a uniquely structured offer sheet with Utah last summer, which Philadelphia quickly matched. He’s on a three-year, $23.56MM deal, but the next two seasons are fully non-guaranteed after the Sixers failed to make the second round of the postseason. Reed’s future with the club is now uncertain, though one report stated the 76ers wanted to bring him back.
“This definitely adds a little extra pressure, but I’m going to go out there and put my best foot forward every day like I always do,” Reed said. “I always perform my best under pressure, so everything is for a reason. And maybe this is in God’s plans. So it is what it is.”
Here’s more from Philadelphia:
- Former six-time All-Star Kyle Lowry isn’t sure what his future holds in free agency, but the longtime veteran point guard did say he plans to play a 19th season in 2024/25, according to Pompey (subscription required). “I had a great opportunity to be a part of two superstars in this league,” the Philadelphia native said of playing with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. “And for me, it was a joy to be around them. We’ll see what happens in the next couple months.” Though he struggled individually in the final two games of the series to the Knicks, Lowry was definitely a positive overall addition, Pompey adds.
- The Sixers have 10 impending free agents this summer. Gina Mizell of The Philadelphia Inquirer (subscriber link) breaks down what each player said about his situation after the season concluded. Little-used reserve KJ Martin freely acknowledged he planned to test the open market. “I got traded twice this year, and that wasn’t my choice,” Martin said. “And now I have the option to kind of pick where I can go and what’s best for my career, so that’s what I’m going to do. … I think it’s time to do what’s best for me and keep moving forward, whether it’s here or God knows where.”
- Most Improved Player award winner Tyrese Maxey exceeded the team’s expectations this season and Philadelphia is firmly committed to him as a centerpiece of the future, Mizell writes in another story (subscription required). “The step he took this year is extremely hard,” president of basketball operations Daryl Morey said of Maxey. “And, for sure, not a given that he would have done it. But I guess we should all learn not to bet against Tyrese, given he has beat expectations every single season, both prior to coming here and then here.”
With $65 million cap room, 76ers bench will get worse this summer.
Why?
For those Veteran like Botum, Lowry.
If someone offer Room Exception one year $8 million, they would walk for nothing.
Oubre would look for 2 years MLE at $25 million
Reed and Martin are likely to walk too.
George and OG are seeking for overpriced contracts.
George is worth $120 million contract and demand $220 million max.
Lowry is probably not getting thar much, and as a Philly native he’ll probably stay for cheap at this point. Reed probably won’t get much either. They could totally fit all 4 in and get a good #3 this summer.
Botum may retire and Lowry will see nothing close. Oubre will be back on a backdoor deal while the sixers shed no tears as Reed and Martin exit. Og is a better fit but will most likely re-up with the surprising knicks, while George stays home in the city of angels. Derozan and monk are better buys and fits in my opinion.
I’d much prefer DeRozan and a reliable 4 to George myself.
I’m with you on everything except for 1) Reed will be back and will move to the 4. 76ers have been getting destroyed on the glass in the Tobias era, Reed is a top 5 off rebounder, as well as in hustle plays, deflections. You won’t see anything like the out rebounding that happened to them vs NY. 2) Oubre will return , as will Lowry, & hopefully KJ(though I’m doubtful). I wouldn’t want DeRozen (age/mid-range only game, less than good defender), but Malik Monk would be a perfect fit here. While he and Maxey are avg/slightly above avg defenders, they could use Lowry, Council & maybe sign Kris Dunn who are all extremely good defenders, and with all of those players , as well as Maxey,KJ , + Nico all having Bird rights, they could sign a Miles Bridges, or someone of that ilk,or search for a possible trade partner maybe Mikal Bridges, or Cam Thomas?
Reed doesn’t provide much value imo on this team. I’d trade him if someone is interested in that contract. Otherwise I’d release him and either he takes a pay cut or he can walk. He isn’t the backup to Embiid that we need him to be, and he isn’t a stretch 4 to play alongside him.
This seems like a good place to say I was dead wrong on the Maxey contract and I’m glad that worked out for them. He is an incredible player.
Adding a “third star” like George would be a big mistake. He’s missed over 30 games per year for the last 5 years, never won a championship, well past his prime and will be paid most of the available money. The elder “superstars” are all out of the playoffs this year.
Reed should be given a shot at PF along with another young big man to compete. The PF needs to rebound, play good defense and be the fifth scorer and help Embiid.
The Sixers also need a very good SF and PG to go along with well rounded back ups. The cap space will disappear quickly.
I couldn’t agree with you more! They don’t need a MAX FA- esp. not a 40 year old (LBJ), 34 year old (PG13),(both hurt as much as they play. I don’t want a guy like Siakam either, he’s a good player on a mediocre/bad team, but once he was given the reigns in TOR(He was a bench player when they won the title in 2019), he has taken too many shots.and far too many bad shots, and would be a detriment to this team. Id like to see a lineup with
5 Joel, A.Drummond UFA,(Reed)
P.Reed, N.Batum,KJ Martin
Miles Bridges UFA ,K Oubre,C. Martin UFA
Maxey, Kris Dunn UFA R.Council
Malik Monk UFA,Lowry C Payne
Then we have a 1st and 2nd Rd pick that we can use for whatever we need
Maxey,KJ Martin, + Nico all have Bird rights, so we can sign those players last and go over the cap if needed – Ownership has the $$ !
I would like to see Kyle Lowry comeback for one more season for the veterans minimum and resign with the Philadelphia 76ers. Paul Reed is a good backup Center and his durability is needed on team with a major injury prone at Center in Joel Embiid.
Kenyon Martin Jr. definitely needs to go somewhere else and get a chance to show off his talent and athleticism. I think he’s going to need a one year prove it deal.
I think the 76ers would be foolish to give an older player a max deal, IE: Paul George (34), is going to want 5/250M and MIGHT get 1-2 good years out of him.LeBron James name has been floated around, which would be a disaster!If they can get OG(which I can’t see NY letting him go) I’m all for him. Putting together a quality team similar to this season’s team isn’t the worst idea.Ricky Council IV will be back, & Paul Reed should be as well, but have him play more of the 4,and let him + Joel crash offensive boards(like the teams winning in the playoffs have been doing.id like to see Oubre 3/or 2 at times, Lowry 1/2, Nico 2/3/4, Cam Payne 1/2. + KJ Martin 3/4 brought back to solidify the depth. FA’s Id target would be 1) Miles Bridges, 2) Malik Monk 3) Andre Drummond .