76ers Part Ways With Daryl Morey, Retain Nick Nurse as Coach
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The Philadelphia 76ers dismissed president of basketball operations Daryl Morey on Tuesday night, ending his six-season tenure while confirming that head coach Nick Nurse will remain in charge of the bench.
Managing partner Josh Harris announced the change in a statement issued May 12, 2026. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Daryl personally and professionally, and I’m grateful for his contributions over the last six seasons,” Harris said. “After speaking with Daryl, we determined that it was time for a fresh start.”
Bob Myers, recently installed as president of sports for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, will conduct the search for a new top executive and oversee basketball operations in the interim. Myers, a four-time NBA champion architect with the Golden State Warriors, called Philadelphia “a destination for top talent across the league” and pledged a “thorough and deliberate” process.
Morey’s Run in Philadelphia
Since arriving in 2020, Morey guided the 76ers to a 270-212 regular-season record and five playoff appearances, but the club never advanced past the second round and has not reached the Eastern Conference finals since 2001.
Highlights and low points of Morey’s tenure include:
- Trading for James Harden before the 2022 deadline, then sending him to the Los Angeles Clippers on Oct. 31, 2023, after a public falling-out that began when Harden called Morey “a liar” during a promotional trip to China.
- Extending Paul George on a four-year, $212 million max deal in summer 2024 and signing Joel Embiid to a three-year, $192.9 million contract later that year. George, Embiid and Tyrese Maxey appeared together in only 43 games over two seasons (21-22 record).
- Owing Brooklyn a top-eight-protected 2027 first-round pick from the original Harden trade and acquiring the Clippers’ unprotected 2028 first and 2029 swap rights in the exit deal.
- Sending guard Jared McCain to Oklahoma City at this season’s trade deadline; McCain is now in the Thunder rotation.
- Selecting guard VJ Edgecombe with the No. 3 pick in the 2025 draft; Edgecombe finished third in Rookie of the Year voting behind Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel.
The contracts for George, Embiid and Maxey will combine for approximately $153 million next season.
Nurse Safe Despite Losing Record
Nurse, 116-130 across three seasons, retains his position despite a 24-58 campaign last year that skewed his overall mark. Philadelphia reached the postseason twice under his leadership, including this year’s first-round comeback from a 3-1 deficit against Boston before a sweep by New York.
“To our fans, your frustration and disappointment are understandable and warranted,” Harris said. “We have fallen well short of our own expectations and failed to deliver in the way this city deserves.” He expressed confidence in Myers to “establish a path forward.”
The 76ers now turn to the executive search while preparing for the 2026-27 season with a roster carrying significant salary commitments and heightened expectations.
Source: ESPN
