3 76ers on Thin Ice Heading Into the NBA Draft

3. Paul Reed

Reed is one of the few players that’s under contract next season. But there’s an off chance the Sixers could release Reed or trade him this offseason based on what they do in the draft.

Philly is in an interesting situation with Reed as his contract for next season is non-guaranteed, thanks to the Sixers losing in the first round of the NBA playoffs to the New York Knicks. 

Last year, Utah Jazz GM Justin Zanik put a stipulation in Reed’s contract, thanks to the offer sheet he signed, that stated his $7.7 million for the 2024-25 season would only be guaranteed if the Sixers won in the first round of the playoffs. 

That didn’t happen as the Sixers lost in six games to the Knicks and Reed coincidentally was a non-factor on both ends of the floor. Reed’s contract for next season is non-guaranteed until Jan. 10, 2025. The former second-round pick averaged 1.5 points and 2.7 rebounds in that first-round series.

It became clear that the Sixers need a pure center and should move Reed to the four, where he’s more comfortable. It was crazy to see Reed struggle in the playoffs as he was better in the regular season. The 25-year-old big man posted 7.3 points and 6.0 rebounds per game – both career-highs.

If the Sixers shock everyone and draft a big man, it will change Reed's role on the team, which could help him. But at the same time, his non-guaranteed contract can also help the Sixers make a huge splash in free agency.

More Sixers news and analysis: