CAMDEN, N.J. — The Philadelphia 76ers are looking to take care of young guard Tyrese Maxey and keep him in Philadelphia for a long time. For good reason, too. He averaged 20.3 points and shot 43.4% from deep in his third season and is only getting better.
Even so, Maxey was extension-eligible in the offseason. He was due to likely make around what young guards RJ Barrett, Tyler Herro and Jordan Poole signed for. Of those three, Poole received the most guaranteed money: four years, $123 million and an annual average salary of just under $31 million.
Maxey is arguably better than any of those three guards.
The Sixers decided not to give Maxey an extension, opting instead to wait until 2024. That summer they will be able to offer Maxey what he deserves and have enough cap flexibility to make a big splash in free agency.
“I’m grateful for them (the Sixers) taking the chance at me and drafting me 21,” said Maxey at media day on Monday. “I feel like I’ve tried to give them all to this organization. I work hard every single day and I’m just going to focus on the season right now. I’m focusing on how we can get better, I can be better.”
Maxey understands the business of the NBA. He understands what it is going to take for the Sixers to reach their goals in the upcoming season. Therefore, he is willing to wait until he gets his big payday.
“At the end of the day, like I said, it’s a competition,” said the young guard. “We have one goal in mind and I love Philly. I know this is the business. I know this is how it goes and I’m a happy person. This is my life. I’m happy with it.”
If Maxey is ready to take another leap at this level, that would be beneficial for both his contract extension and Philadelphia’s hopes in the coming season.
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