Welcome to another edition of the weekly Sixers mailbag! Let’s dive into your burning questions:
From @JeremyPease2: Any chance Joel Embiid takes the Jalen Brunson discount on his extension?
It’s highly unlikely that Embiid will take a discount on his extension for a couple of reasons. Unlike Brunson, there are no limitations on how much the Sixers could offer Embiid in his contract extension. While Brunson’s deal was unique, given his circumstances, Embiid is a perennial MVP candidate and usually players of his caliber don’t take discounts on their contracts. The Sixers also already have other max players in Tyrese Maxey and Paul George, so adding another star player wouldn’t be feasible even if Embiid did take a pay cut.
As we look ahead to the 2025-26 season, the Sixers’ payroll situation with Embiid, Maxey, and George locked into long-term deals seems more manageable compared to the Knicks who have several hefty contracts on their books. This contrasting roster construction strategies will be an intriguing case to study in the coming years.
From @frite_truite_: Outside of the big three, who are you most excited to watch this year?
If Nic Batum had returned to the Sixers, he would have been my top pick. However, Andre Drummond is another player to watch this season. Drummond’s play style is a mix of impressive skills and comical moments, making him entertaining to watch. He brings a lighthearted vibe to the team, which is always refreshing for fans and media alike.
From @jrking215: Who will be the Sixers’ starting power forward after the trade deadline?
Caleb Martin is the frontrunner for the starting power forward position post-trade deadline. His toughness and defensive skills make him a suitable candidate for the role. If the Sixers opt for a more traditional power forward via a midseason trade, players like Dorian Finney-Smith, Grant Williams, or Kenrich Williams could be potential targets to bolster the team’s lineup.
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