NBA offseason guide: Is the James Harden era over for the Sixers? - ESPN

MVP Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers have made an early exit in the NBA playoffs — again.

The 76ers spent the bulk of the season as one of the favorites to win the title, but despite adding All-Star James Harden to their roster, they find themselves at home during the Eastern Conference finals.

What does the offseason look like for a team that has eight players — including Harden — becoming free agents this summer?

Philadelphia will have to make some important decisions regarding the future of Harden, Tobias Harris and even Tyrese Maxey.

Offseason guides for every eliminated team

Year 1 of Joel Embiid's supermax extension coincides with a roster facing decisions this offseason. The newly crowned MVP is under contract the next four seasons; however, his 76ers haven't advanced beyond the second round despite having the NBA's third-best record (behind Phoenix and Milwaukee) since 2020-21. James Harden's free agency now becomes the focal point for how Philadelphia builds the roster, not only next season but in future years.

Harden is one of eight 76ers who can become free agents this July. Philadelphia has limited options on how to improve the roster; the 76ers do not have any draft picks in June nor are they allowed to trade a first until 2029 at the earliest. Forward Tobias Harris is entering the last year of his contract. Despite averaging 14.7 points in the regular season and shooting 52.9% from the field in the postseason, Harris could be a financial casualty in 2024-25. Harris is extension eligible but a new contract — combined with Embiid's $50 million cap hit and new deals for Harden and Tyrese Maxey — could see the 76ers have over $150 million in salary committed to four players.

The finances in Philadelphia