Following a six-year tenure, Daryl Morey has been dismissed from his position as president of basketball operations for the Philadelphia 76ers, the organization confirmed (Shams Charania of ESPN initially broke the story).
This termination occurred mere days after the 76ers were eliminated from the playoffs by the New York Knicks in a clean sweep, losing all four contests in the series by an average of 22.5 points. It underscored the substantial gap the team still has to bridge to become a championship contender (despite Philadelphia’s earlier upset victory over the Boston Celtics in the initial round).
Nick Nurse will continue in his role as the team’s head coach, the club verified. Bob Myers, former Warriors general manager and the mastermind behind their championship teams — currently serving as the president of sports for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment for team owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer — will spearhead the initiative to find Morey’s replacement and will oversee basketball operations on an interim basis.
“I hold a profound admiration for Daryl personally and professionally, and I am thankful for his contributions throughout the last six seasons,” Harris conveyed in a statement announcing the change. “After discussions with Daryl, we determined that it was time for a renewed approach. Bob Myers will direct the process of identifying a new leader, and I believe his track record of building four NBA championship teams will be an invaluable asset to our organization.
“To our supporters, your sentiments of frustration and disappointment are understandable and appropriate. We have significantly fallen short of our own expectations and have not delivered in the manner this city merits. That troubles me deeply, and I trust Bob to forge a progressive path forward for our franchise.”
Morey achieved a 270-212 win-loss record during his six years leading the 76ers, with the team reaching the playoffs in five of those seasons. However, the 76ers consistently failed to advance beyond the second round under his leadership. He inherited a roster featuring Joel Embiid and a developing point guard named Tyrese Maxey, and his key moves included acquiring James Harden and — following Harden’s departure — signing Paul George. He also drafted promising rookie VJ Edgecombe as the No. 3 overall pick last year.
Reports indicated a growing strain between Embiid and Morey, a situation further aggravated by the trade of Jared McCain to Oklahoma City to remain below the luxury tax threshold (a decision likely mandated by ownership) while no further additions were made to bolster the team for a postseason run.
Whoever assumes control of the 76ers’ basketball operations will confront significant obstacles.
The Maxey and Edgecombe backcourt clearly represents the team’s future, but the recent playoffs illustrated that this squad performs better with a well-rested, healthy Embiid on the court. The challenge lies in Embiid, 32, having an extensive history of injuries and showing signs of fatigue during the playoffs when games became a day-on, day-off affair — Embiid has not played six consecutive games since December 2023. Beyond that, Embiid is guaranteed $188.3 million over the next three seasons, making him practically untradable without including young prospects and draft capital. Paul George is guaranteed $54.1 million for the upcoming season and holds a $56.6 million player option for 2027-28. It will be exceedingly difficult for any individual in charge of the 76ers to significantly alter the foundational core of this team for at least the next year.
Someone will be tasked with orchestrating a turnaround for the 76ers, and the search for that new head of basketball operations is now underway in Philadelphia.
