The Sixers’ cap situation is razor-thin after Quentin Grimes’ one-year, $8.7M QO, leaving them with 14 standard contracts and roughly $194.6M in salary. They’re about $1.1M under the first apron and $12.9M under the second, delayingbig-MLE moves and nudging them toward tax-avoidance strategies.

They face roughly $7.3M in luxury tax, but repeater tax clocks are reset through 2028-29. Trade paths hinge on Stepien rules and asset juggling (notably 2026 top-4 to OKC and 2028 top-8 to Nets), with 2029 swaps vs Clippers in play. The balance of Grimes, Edwards and the rest will define this season’s fantasy upside and long-term flexibility.

Paul George enters his second season with the Philadelphia 76ers as both a high-impact scorer and a veteran mentor to a young core. After a 2024-25 season limited by injuries, he aims to reclaim star-level production while guiding players like VJ Edgecombe, Jared McCain, Johni Broome, and Justin Edwards. Nick Nurse views George as an extension of the coaching staff, crucial for on-court timing and defensive coherence. If healthy, George could balance scoring with development to help the Sixers contend in the East.

With a 4-year, $212 million deal still in effect, George will be watched for how his minutes and role evolve. The fantasy takeaway hinges on durability and workload; if George stays on the floor, his scoring and playmaking, paired with mentorship that accelerates the youngsters, could unlock Philadelphia’s ceiling as a legitimate title contender in 2025-26.

Justin Edwards enters 2025-26 with three clear goals for Philadelphia: become a true 3-point threat, guard the opposition’s best scorer, and push for a starting role. The 2024-25 undrafted rookie averaged 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 steal, while shooting 36.3% from deep and earning a standard contract.

Length, IQ, and off-ball movement could boost his defense and floor spacing. If he cans open threes consistently, the Sixers unlock bench scoring and a potential 21-year-old starter.