Getty Image
The Philadelphia 76ers spent years trying to find a capable backup center to MVP Joel Embiid.
There was Amir Johnson, Greg Monroe, Dwight Howard and many, many more.
Philly appeared to solve that problem in the 2022-23 season thanks to the emergence of Paul Reed.
Reed was the 58th overall pick in 2020 NBA Draft and seen as a plus athlete who was more of a long-term project. He began his pro career in the G League, where he quickly became one of the league’s best players, winning both the rookie of the year and MVP.
Reed saw a bit more time with the Sixers in 2021-22, playing in 38 games and working his way into the rotation under Doc Rivers.
Despite Rivers’ best efforts, Reed was undeniable this past season. He played in 69 games and averaged just under 11 minutes per game. His energy and athleticism translated both on the boards and the defensive end. Reed averaged 4.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and .7 steals and blocks per game in his limited action.
By the end of the year, he’d established himself as one of the league’s top backup bigs.
But there was a problem.
Reed became a restricted a free agent following the season, meaning teams across the league could offer him a contract and the Sixers would have the opportunity to match.
Now, in theory Philadelphia would happily match almost any offer that could conceivable come in for Reed. But that’s where the Utah Jazz and CEO Danny Ainge come in.
Utah offered Reed a three-year, $23 million contract on Saturday. One which Reed agreed to but the Sixers could match.
Philadelphia 76ers restricted free agent F Paul Reed Jr., has signed a three-year, $23M offer sheet with the Utah Jazz, his agent Ron Shade of Octagon Basketball tells ESPN. Sixers have until Sunday at 11:59 PM ET to match sheet and retain Reed. pic.twitter.com/0OTh1W1iPe
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 8, 2023
But there’s a catch. The second and third years of the deal become fully guaranteed should the team Reed’s playing on reach the second round of the NBA playoffs.
While Utah is highly unlikely to reach that point, Philadelphia is favored to do so.
One of the terms of the offer sheet provides a unique twist: The first season of the contract is fully guaranteed and the two following become guaranteed for $15.7 million if Reed’s team advances to conference semi-finals in the 2023-24 season, sources said.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 8, 2023
Additionally, Reed’s contract would take Philly over the NBA’s first luxury tax threshold, costing it an additional $14 million this season.
If Sixers match the sheet, they will exceed the $165M luxury tax threshold and incur an additional $14M in luxury tax penalties.
Reed would have veto power on a trade for a year if he remains with Sixers.— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 8, 2023
Utah’s creativity uniquely positioned the Sixers. On one hand, allowing Reed to walk for free would be a disaster. On the other, it tests the willingness of owner Josh Harris to pay the luxury tax.
Whatever decision Philly makes, it’ll be a clear indicator of the team’s goals going forward.