Philadelphia’s decision to dismiss president of basketball operations Daryl Morey this week is being linked inside and outside the organization to February’s trade that sent rookie guard Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to reporting by The Philly Voice.
Trade that Started the Backlash
Morey dealt McCain at the deadline for a single asset: Houston’s first-round pick, slotted at No. 22 in the upcoming draft. The Sixers filled McCain’s roster spot with veteran guard Cameron Payne, who had been playing in Serbia, but Payne was waived after a late-season hamstring injury. Two-way guard Dalen Terry was converted to a standard contract yet logged only spot minutes in the playoffs.
Unrealized Deadline Targets
A source told The Philly Voice that Morey entered the deadline seeking low-cost role players under multiyear control. His primary target was Thunder wing Aaron Wiggins, but salary-matching complications prevented Oklahoma City from including Wiggins in the McCain exchange. Philadelphia also pursued:
- Bulls forward Jalen Smith, offering multiple second-round picks
- Rockets forward Tari Eason
- Pelicans forward Saddiq Bey
- Mavericks wing Naji Marshall
- Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo
- Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski
- Suns forward Ryan Dunn
None of those players were ultimately moved. The Sixers showed some interest in guard Ayo Dosunmu—now contributing to Minnesota’s postseason run—but hesitated because of his expiring contract. They also considered acquiring swingman Vit Krejci, dealt from Atlanta to Portland four days before the deadline for two second-rounders, yet Morey declined to act with time still remaining before the cutoff.
Strained Ties with Joel Embiid
Morey’s relationship with star center Joel Embiid reportedly worsened as the season progressed. Embiid voiced frustration after the inactive trade deadline and again when the team held him out of a game in early April. During the playoffs, the reigning MVP declined to address questions about his connection with Morey.
Search for a New Architect
Former Warriors executive Bob Myers, currently president of sports for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, is leading the hunt for Morey’s replacement and could claim the post if he chooses. Other candidates identified in internal discussions include:
- Elton Brand, Morey’s lead assistant
- Vince Rozman, now in Oklahoma City’s front office
- Dennis Lindsey, senior vice president with the Pistons
- Matt Lloyd, general manager of the Timberwolves
- Spurs assistant GM Dave Telep
- Celtics assistant GM Dave Lewin
- Agents Austin Brown and Alex Saratsis
The front-office search and the No. 22 pick give Philadelphia multiple decisions to address before free agency opens this summer.
Source: Hoops Rumors
