As the start of free agency approaches, beginning at 6 p.m. June 30th, 2022, it has been reported that the Philadelphia 76ers will sign free-agent forward PJ Tucker. Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer was first with the report saying that “Multiple league sources say Tucker will choose the Sixers’ three-year, $30 million offer over opportunities to remain in Miami or go back to Milwaukee after free agency begins at 6 p.m.” 76ers’ star Joel Embiid named PJ Tucker as a player needed on the team to provide toughness, and it looks like Daryl Morey is going out of his way to make that happen.
There has been plenty of discussion on how the Philadelphia 76ers would be to sign Tucker if they do not have the Non-Tax-Payer Mid-Level Exception, which would allow Tucker to get paid $10 million per year. Pompey noted that James Harden is expected to pick up his $47 million player option and receive a two-year extension for just below the max to help make room for Tucker later down the line. With Harden opting in, Morey and the front office still have to get creative to make room to sign Tucker.
There are two possible ways to make room for P.J. Tucker for the NTPMLE, trading Tobias Harris or salary dumping players Like Matisse Thybulle, Furkan Korkmaz, and Isaiah Joe. With Morey also reportedly still trying to acquire Eric Gordon from the Rockets, a Harris trade may be on the horizon.
Daryl Morey has had a reputation of doing cap gymnastics and trying to make big splashes. Let’s see what is in store as we approach the beginning of free agency, buckle up.
