Brooklyn’s offseason cap-clearing strategy shifts toward a potential salary-dump move at the trade deadline, aiming to keep cap space flexible while adding draft capital. The Nets reportedly eye a package involving Kelly Oubre Jr. and Andre Drummond to ease Philadelphia’s luxury-tax crunch, while potentially reuniting with Drummond if the price fits. Ziaire Williams’ re-signing preserves youth and flexibility for future moves, and the Sixers’ tax concerns could shape a two-pronged approach with expiring deals and Grimes’ RFA status looming large.

Philly could pursue cap relief by moving expiring contracts, yet remains positioned to contend with Embiid anchoring the frontline and George still in the mix, complicating Nets’ leverage. The broader market at the deadline remains active, with Brooklyn showing patience as they balance payroll, draft capital, and the possibility of a Drummond reunion amid the tax calculus.

Embiid’s health remains the Sixers’ biggest question mark heading into 2025-26. He played 19 games in 2024-25 and needed a second knee surgery, after a prior left knee meniscus issue and a late-season scope. Philadelphia’s lofty ambitions collided with injuries and chemistry problems, fueling a lottery miss. A countering storyline: Paul George’s arrival alongside Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain injects star power and depth, with top draft pick V.J. Edgecombe adding upside. George’s own knee rehab muddies the early outlook, but healthy returners plus youth give Philly real rebound potential.

Sixers summer grind picks up steam as Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. are in the gym for 1-on-1 work, with Zach LaVine also mixing in, signaling a high-gear approach to entering 2025-26. Philly eyes a return to East contention, counting on Joel Embiid’s health and Paul George’s status as key upside cues for the roster and the fantasy landscape. Maxey’s leadership and development pace suggest a notable uptick in playmaking and scoring, while Oubre’s scoring versatility could juice wing totals if the pieces click.

Health is the hinge: Embiid’s durability and George’s availability shape not only the Sixers’ ceiling but also the surrounding fantasy targets. If those stars stay on the floor, the gym-time bet on Maxey and Oubre feels more compelling, with potential ramp in usage, shot volume, and efficiency that fantasy managers should monitor as workouts turn into on-court chemistry.