Although a Tyrese Maxey trade is not currently expected or advocated for, it is worth examining the potential value and future impact such a move could have on the Philadelphia 76ers. Maxey, who has steadily improved since joining the team, remains young enough to be a key figure in Philadelphia’s post-Joel Embiid plans. Still, recent NBA trades involving players from the 2020 first-round draft class highlight intriguing possibilities for a Maxey deal.
Recent Trades Provide Insight into Maxey’s Market Value
Over the recent weekend, the Memphis Grizzlies traded Desmond Bane, the 30th overall pick in 2020, to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round draft picks, and a future first-round pick swap. This trade, while seemingly an overpayment, reflects how teams like Orlando aim to support their young stars such as Paolo Banchero by aggressively acquiring assets. Caldwell-Pope’s contract, costly and extending through 2026-27, was part of the equation, but Orlando’s primary goal was gaining control over a player with four years left before free agency.
This move is comparable to how other franchises, like the Minnesota Timberwolves, have mortgaged draft assets to surround their stars with talent, as was the case when they traded heavily to acquire Rudy Gobert for Anthony Edwards. Such strategies are aggressive and signal a “go all-in” mentality, but they also carry significant risk regarding long-term competitiveness and roster depth.
Where Maxey Stands Among Comparable Players
Tyrese Maxey’s talent and age position him above both Desmond Bane and Rudy Gobert, marking him as an even more valuable asset should the Sixers consider trading him. Mikal Bridges, recently acquired by the Knicks in a deal where the receiving team arguably overpaid, serves as another benchmark, with Maxey viewed as the superior player. Maxey’s presence could serve as a critical catalyst for teams sitting in the league’s middle tier that want to add a dynamic All-Star talent.
Within the Sixers’ current context, Maxey and Jared McCain stand out as the franchise’s most significant trade assets. If the core of Joel Embiid and Paul George cannot sustain health and championship contention, trading Maxey now might offer Philadelphia a strategic advantage moving forward.
Potential Returns and Contract Considerations
Maxey’s contract, which holds four years remaining, mirrors Bane’s in term length, though Maxey is viewed as the more impactful player. It is reasonable to speculate that a Maxey trade could command a return equal to or exceeding a five-time unprotected first-round pick haul, coupled with a second pick swap, reflecting his superior abilities and contract control. While such trade frameworks are not guaranteed to be replicated exactly in future deals, the 2020 class parallels provide a useful yardstick for evaluating Maxey’s trade value.
Strategic Benefits for the Sixers’ Future Outlook
Philadelphia’s current roster, aside from Embiid, lacks a player with a definitive ceiling as the lead star on a championship team. This reality underscores the potential strategic value of trading Maxey to acquire multiple high-value draft picks or promising young players, which could better position the Sixers for sustained success. Houston’s swift turnaround following their James Harden trade to Brooklyn exemplifies the impact such a strategy can have when future assets are maximized toward rebuilding.
A Maxey trade might leave the team with promising young talent like Quentin Grimes, Adem Bona, Justin Edwards, and Guerschon Yabusele, alongside a top-three draft pick that could join McCain to shape a new competitive core. This kind of reset would offer the Sixers a legitimate path out of their current middling position.
Evaluating the Team’s Current Ceiling and Draft Prospects
Looking ahead to the 2025 draft, Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper currently stand out as players with genuine superstar potential capable of becoming the best players on a championship roster. Such focal points partly explain speculation that Sixers president Daryl Morey might pursue a move up to the No. 2 overall pick via a trade with the San Antonio Spurs, reflecting a proactive attempt to secure a transformative talent.
If the Sixers accept that Maxey’s ceiling is unlikely to reach the NBA’s top five to seven players, this further motivates leveraging his value now to acquire assets with a higher prospective upside, especially in light of considerable doubts about Embiid’s long-term health and George’s availability.
Imagining Philadelphia’s Starting Lineup after a Maxey Trade
Imagining the Sixers’ 2025-26 opening night starting lineup without Maxey presents a mix of youth and experience:
Jared McCain
Quentin Grimes
Third overall pick from the 2025 draft
Paul George
Joel Embiid
While this lineup may not be an NBA Finals favorite, a healthy George and Embiid combined with a promising rookie and rising talents like McCain could allow the Sixers to compete effectively in an Eastern Conference that may lack depth. This projection excludes potential additional players acquired in a Maxey trade, which may further bolster the team’s competitiveness.
However, the downside remains severe if the starting stars are sidelined due to injury, while the diminishing protections on the draft picks owed to the Oklahoma City Thunder put added pressure on Philadelphia to win games and avoid forfeiting valuable future selections.
The Broader Implications for the Franchise’s Direction
A Maxey trade could unlock a more optimistic timeline for the Sixers if Embiid and George are sidelined long term. Presently, the franchise lacks sufficient elite talent beyond Embiid to confidently contend in the coming years, compounded by owed protected picks stemming from the Ben Simmons-James Harden trade.
In contrast, having multiple unprotected first-round picks and several pick swaps from teams analogous to Orlando or Minnesota, combined with McCain and a top-three draft selection in 2025, would materially improve the franchise’s flexibility and capacity to build a competitive roster. In the fast-changing NBA landscape, securing high-quality future picks as trade assets is often essential in maintaining a promising rebuild.
Final Points on Maxey’s Role and Trade Discussions
Tyrese Maxey has proven to be a valuable player for the Sixers and remains unlikely to be traded imminently. His youth and skill make him a viable piece to construct a competitive team alongside Embiid moving forward. Nonetheless, evaluating the franchise’s trajectory realistically involves considering what a Maxey trade could contribute to Philadelphia’s future.
Engaging in discussions about Maxey’s availability when approached by other teams does not commit the Sixers to a trade but keeps open valuable options for shaping the team’s long-term prospects should circumstances dictate a change.