The 76ers were kicked out 3-4 by the Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals, with Doug Rivers out of the way and James Harden expected to jump out of contract to become a free agent seeking a four-year contract. The Associated Press reports that the 76ers face multiple challenges this offseason, they have to choose a new coach, they may lose Harden, and there are problems with reinforcements in other positions. What will happen to the 76ers?
The challenge posed by Harden
Harden, 33, is expected to jump out of his final year worth $35.6 million to become a free agent, and the 76ers can give him a four-year contract worth $210 million, while teams with salary space such as the Rockets can offer up to four years worth $202 million, a difference of $8 million.
It is reported that the 76ers' primary goal is of course to extend the contract to keep Harden, but whether the 76ers are willing to give a four-year contract worth $210 million is still unknown, and there is no news that the 76ers are willing to do so.
What if Harden chooses to leave the 76ers? Even if Harden jumps out of contract, the 76ers still don't have enough salary space to bring in a replacement for Harden. It is reported that the 76ers' plan B is to "use creative operations to find a replacement for Harden while keeping the 76ers among the top teams in the East."
Plan B for 76ers is basically two. Either sign Harden first and then trade, or clear Tobias-Harris' contract while losing Harden to make room as much space as possible. If the 76ers just let Harden go, their total salary would still exceed the salary cap, but there is a $12.2 million middle-class exception that doesn't sign enough players to replace Harden.
Five criteria for selecting a manager
The 76ers admit that the 76ers are in a better position under Rivers than they were before Rivers took over three years ago, but the team's delay in making a breakthrough to the Eastern Conference finals led to a change of coach.
There are currently famous coaches such as Nick Nas, Budenholzer, Monty Williams and the 76ers have enough options to patiently scout new managers.
It is reported that Embiid was shocked that Rivers was out of class, but the 76ers management reassured Embiid with "must find a new coach who can get along with Embiid."
The five criteria for selecting a 76-person coach have also been exposed:
1. Can bring leadership and responsibility;
2. Proficient in tactics;
3. Be able to have a good relationship with star players;
4. Good at recruiting star players, players are willing to play for him;
5. Can help the team build a great team.