Report: Philadelphia 76ers expected to get rid of Paul Reed

The Philadelphia 76ers have been among the busiest teams this offseason. While their free agent deal with Paul George has gotten most of the attention, the 76ers have also retooled the backup center position. After drafting Adem Bona in the second round, Philadelphia signed Andre Drummond to a two-year, $10 million deal. The moves have reportedly left Paul Reed’s future with the franchise in jeopardy.

Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote:

Paul Reed’s future with the 76ers was in jeopardy the moment they suffered a first-round loss to the New York Knicks. Two months later, signs are pointing towards him being part of their past. The reserve center is reportedly expected to be waived or traded as the Sixers explore the free-agent market and potential trade options to land another forward.

Reed’s contract is the best way for the Sixers pursue a solid free agent using cap space. They would have $9.2 million available by waiving him thanks to the clause in the contract he received last summer. [h/t The Philadelphia Inquirer]

Reed has a non-guaranteed contract that pays him $7.7 million in 2024-25 and $8.1 million the following season. If the 76ers had reached the second round of the postseason, the contract would have become guaranteed. Instead, he must remain on the roster until January 10, 2025 for his 2024-25 salary to become guaranteed.

The fourth-year big man had the best season of his career in 2023-24. He appeared in 82 games, making 24 starts. Reed averaged 7.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.0 blocks in 19.4 minutes per game while shooting 54.0% from the field, 36.8% from three-point range and 71.8% from the free-throw line. He set career-highs in games played, games started, points, rebounds, assists, blocks, minutes, and three-point percentage.

Who could the Philadelphia 76ers target with the money saved from Paul Reed?

Oct 16, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul Reed (44) shields the ball from Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (28) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

While the Philadelphia 76ers have been very active in free agency, they are not done making moves. Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer shared potential targets for the team, writing:

The Sixers have interest in trading for Brooklyn Nets power forward Dorian Finny-Smith. They’ve also been in discussions with Miami Heat free agent and former Sixer Haywood Highsmith as a free-agent option. Houston Rockets free agent Reggie Bullock could be another option, but maybe for minimum salary. [h/t The Philadelphia Inquirer]

The 76ers entered the offseason with Joel Embiid as the only guaranteed contract on their books. In addition to their blockbuster addition of Paul George, they have signed Andre Drummond and Eric Gordon. Philadelphia has also re-signed Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr., while drafting Jared McCain and Adem Bona.

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