76ers 2025 Offseason: Building Youth, Depth, and Life Beyond Embiid

Philadelphia 76ers 2025 Offseason: Building for Life After Embiid

If you’re looking at the Philadelphia 76ers’ 2025 offseason, the theme is crystal clear: get younger, get deeper, and reshape the roster for what’s coming next. Unlike the spending spree of 2024, which brought Paul George to Philly along with several other veterans, this summer was about being smart, strategic, and thinking long-term.

A Different Approach from Morey & Co.

President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey has always been known for bold swings. But after shelling out big money last year, this offseason forced him to recalibrate. Instead of chasing another big-name free agent or blockbuster trade, he and his staff shifted gears—targeting versatility, athleticism, and youth.

That pivot shows up in the names they added:

• VJ Edgecombe – an exciting rookie with elite two-way upside.

• Trendon Watford – a do-it-all forward who thrives in different roles.

• Johni Broome – a physical big man who can stretch the floor.

• Jabari Walker – a wing who brings energy and rebounding.

• Dominick Barlow – a young forward still developing, but oozing potential.

All five may not turn into stars, but they give Philly something it hasn’t always had: options. These guys can slide into multiple spots on the court, which should help balance a roster that too often felt overly reliant on a few veterans.

The Athletic’s Mid-Pack Ranking

So how did outsiders view this change in direction? According to The Athletic, the Sixers’ offseason graded out middle of the pack—ranked 16th out of 30 teams.

That feels about right. Philly didn’t land a superstar, but they didn’t stand still either. The organization added intriguing depth while positioning themselves for bigger moves down the road.

Here’s the intriguing part: analysts already see a post-Embiid skeleton taking shape in Philly. They highlight Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, and VJ Edgecombe as the trio who could define the Sixers’ next era. Imagine a high-paced, guard-driven offense, full of athletic wings around them. It’s a fun vision that contrasts sharply with the grind-it-through-Embiid approach of the past decade.

The Joel Embiid Question

But let’s be real: as much as the Sixers want to look ahead, they’re still tied to Joel Embiid—for now.

The reigning MVP candidate, now 31, has had another frustrating season behind him. After missing the final seven weeks of the 2024 regular season, Embiid underwent surgery to repair his meniscus. Fans have heard this story too many times before. They’ve grown weary of hoping their franchise player will be healthy when it matters.

The reality is harsh: if Embiid can’t prove he can handle 60+ games and still arrive at the postseason in one piece, Philly may have to consider moving on from its longtime cornerstone.

And make no mistake—the fan base is restless. Philly supporters, known for their passion and blunt honesty, have increasingly tuned out. It’s not that they don’t love Embiid; it’s that hope without results wears thin.

A Shift in Style

David Aldridge nailed it when he pointed out that the Sixers are subtly shifting how they build and play. For years, the franchise revolved entirely around Embiid’s dominance in the paint. The supporting cast was always about complementing him—shooters to space the floor, playmakers to feed him, defenders to cover ground.

Now? Things are different. The Sixers are layering in athleticism, versatility, and youth. You can almost see them preparing for a future where the system doesn’t have to revolve around one big man’s health. That doesn’t mean the Embiid era is over today, but the writing on the wall suggests the organization wants to be ready if—or when—that day comes.

Why This Matters Going Forward

This offseason may not dominate headlines, but it’s quietly one of the most important summers of the Morey era. Here’s why:

• Flexibility for the future: By adding young, cheap talent, Philly gives itself wiggle room if they need to pivot.

• Developing a new identity: Maxey, McCain, and Edgecombe could form a thrilling backcourt-plus-wing combo that redefines how Philly plays.

• Insurance policy: If Embiid breaks down again, the Sixers won’t be left scrambling. They’ll already have the building blocks in place for a transition.

It’s almost like Morey is playing chess—protecting the present while plotting the future moves.

The Optimistic View

Here’s the best-case scenario: Embiid comes back strong, plays 65 games, and heads into the playoffs ready to dominate. Meanwhile, the younger guys carve out meaningful roles, Maxey continues his All-Star trajectory, and Philly becomes a legitimate contender again.

With Paul George still on the roster, that’s not a pipe dream. A healthy Embiid plus PG, Maxey, and a deeper bench could be enough to make some noise in a wide-open Eastern Conference.

The Pessimistic View

On the flip side, if Embiid struggles to stay healthy again, the clock officially runs out on the “Trust the Process” era. Philly will be forced into hard decisions:

• Do they trade Embiid for a massive haul and fully commit to the Maxey-McCain-Edgecombe future?

• Or do they try one more time, hoping the big man can finally stay upright?

Either way, the Sixers won’t be able to straddle the line much longer.

What’s Next for the Franchise?

The 2025–26 season could easily be the most defining year in recent Sixers history.

• If Embiid bounces back, Philly gets another shot at chasing a title.

• If not, we’re looking at the official end of an era and the beginning of something completely different.

Fans may not love being in this in-between phase, but it’s reality. The organization is preparing for both paths, and that’s what makes this offseason so fascinating.

Key Takeaways:

• Philly’s 2025 offseason wasn’t flashy, but it was strategic.

• Added five versatile young players: Edgecombe, Watford, Broome, Walker, and Barlow.

• The Athletic ranked them No. 16 out of 30 teams this summer.

• A potential future core is forming around Maxey, McCain, and Edgecombe.

• The entire franchise still hinges on Embiid’s health and availability.

• This season may determine whether Philly doubles down on Embiid or starts fresh.