The Philadelphia 76ers were off to a hot start this season, with Joel Embiid as the favorite for the 2023-24 MVP award. However, the center went down with an injury and only featured in 39 games, meaning the team fell into the play-in tournament. After defeating the Miami Heat, they are currently playing the New York Knicks in the First Round.
Even though the Sixers are still favored in the series despite being down 2-1 since the Knicks are without Julius Randle, they are not among the title favorites to win the championship this season. This will probably be another season without an NBA Finals appearance for the franchise, but this could be the end of the 76ers’ nightmare if they put a plan for this summer.
Most importantly, they have enough cap space flexibility that they could sign at least two stars this summer, and drafting correctly in the 2024 Draft means they could be in the mix to acquire LeBron James.
Only Joel Embiid ($51,415,938) and Paul Reed ($7,723,000) are under contract for next season and re-signing Tyrese Maxey ($6,259,588 Qualifying Offer in 2024-25) to a max contract will be the priority. Once Maxey is secured, the 76ers can create the best superteam ever by signing Paul George in free agency and luring LeBron James by signing him to a long-term deal in their master plan.
Tactically Draft Bronny James In Second Round
The Philadelphia 76ers are setting their sights high this summer, aiming for an instant championship with the acquisition of LeBron James and Paul George. The first tactical move in this plan is to strategically draft Bronny James in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft. With a second-round pick acquired from either Chicago or New Orleans, with New Orleans being the more favorable option, Daryl Morey sees this as an opportunity to take a low-risk gamble on Bronny.
Bronny James, having declared for the NBA Draft, is projected to be a second-round pick. By drafting him, the 76ers aim to use this as bait to attract LeBron James. The concept is to “a small lure to catch a big fish.” By being on the same team as his son, LeBron could be more inclined to join the 76ers, providing a unique opportunity for both father and son to play together in the NBA. Additionally, this move could put Bronny in the best position to mature as a player under the mentorship of his father and alongside top-tier talents in the league.
Sign LeBron James
LeBron might not be interested in being a member of the 76ers alongside Embiid and Maxey right now, but his desire to play with his eldest son in the league could be too powerful to ignore. After strategically drafting Bronny James, the Philadelphia 76ers will aim to sign LeBron James to the team. With Bronny already on board, LeBron would likely be enticed to join the 76ers, prompting him to decline his $51,415,938 player option and sign a new three-year deal worth around $50 million per year.
At 39 years old, LeBron James continues to rank among the top 10 players in the world by averaging 25.7 PPG, 7.3 RPG, and 8.3 APG, showcasing his enduring talent and skill in his 21st season. With the Lakers down 3-0 against the Denver Nuggets in the postseason, there is major trouble brewing with regards to some players’ futures if and when they go out in the first round. Anthony Davis is already a player dangled in trade rumors, and LeBron could be the one who should do what is best for his career and could change his mind about Philly.
While there is a gamble involved in expecting LeBron to remain healthy and maintain his prime performance level, the impact he can bring to the team transcends his on-court abilities. LeBron’s presence on the 76ers would bring a different level of marketing prowess, revenue generation, and on-court skill that is unparalleled in the league.
Moreover, LeBron’s experience and leadership would be invaluable in elevating young talents like Tyrese Maxey and Bronny James. LeBron’s role as the primary floor general and “coach on the floor” would serve as a guiding force, helping to shape and develop the team’s younger players while maximizing their potential on the court.
Sign Paul George
Following the acquisition of LeBron James, the Philadelphia 76ers would then set their sights on signing Paul George, who will be a free agent this summer. Despite no advanced talks of George re-signing with the Clippers, even with Kawhi Leonard’s re-signing, the 76ers have shown interest and could be the frontrunners to secure George’s signature.
Paul George would initially decline his $48,787,676 player option and agree to a new 4-year deal worth approximately $180 million, with $40 million set for the first season. George will be looking to secure the best offer on the table, and very few teams have the financial capacity to bring on a max player despite having Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey (very likely) on similar deals.
At almost 34 years old, it’s expected that George’s performance may see some decline over the next few seasons. However, his value as an excellent spot-up shooter (41.3% 3-PT FG this season), a solid defender, and a reliable third option on the team cannot be understated.
With the addition of Paul George, the Philadelphia 76ers would assemble a formidable superteam that would undoubtedly dominate the Eastern Conference. Alongside LeBron James and the 76ers’ existing roster, George would bring a versatile skill set and playoff experience, further strengthening the team’s championship aspirations.
Philadelphia 76ers ‘Dream Team’ In 2024-25 Season
Starting Lineup: Tyrese Maxey, Bronny James, Paul George, LeBron James, Joel Embiid
The Philadelphia 76ers’ “Dream Team” for the 2024-25 NBA season would feature a starting lineup of Tyrese Maxey, Bronny James, Paul George, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid. This lineup would undeniably be a dominant superteam, arguably boasting the most talent in NBA history on a single roster.
Tyrese Maxey has shown significant improvement this season and is a favorite for the Most Improved Player award. As the primary ball-handler alongside LeBron James, Maxey would have the opportunity to develop his skills and grow as a player. Bronny James, in a favorable situation to mature and utilize his shooting abilities, would benefit from playing alongside his father and other top-tier talents.
Paul George would serve as a spot-up shooter and a capable playmaker, adding another dimension to the team’s offensive firepower. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid, the team’s number one option, would provide inside-outside dominance, creating mismatches and commanding attention from opposing defenses.
Comparing the 76ers to other top teams in the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics may have a Big Four, but arguably only two superstars, whereas the 76ers would have at least three with LeBron, George, and Embiid. The Milwaukee Bucks, with their two superstars, would also fall short in terms of overall talent compared to the 76ers’ stacked roster.
Daryl Morey would likely continue to bolster the team’s depth to ensure a strong supporting cast to complement their star-studded starting lineup. With this lineup and the potential for further depth improvements, the Philadelphia 76ers would be the team to beat in the Eastern Conference and serious championship contenders.
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