Tyrese Maxey Philadelphia 76ers Houston Rockets
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With Joel Embiid aging and the Sixers short on assets, a blockbuster proposal sending Tyrese Maxey to Houston could mark the franchise’s turning point toward a full rebuild.
The Houston Rockets could be one big move away from reshaping their future — and Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley believes that move could involve landing All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey.
With Fred VanVleet expected to miss the entire 2025-26 season, Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley outlined trade ideas that could help Houston stay competitive. One proposal stands out for its ambition and long-term implications for both teams.
The Trade Proposal
Buckley’s hypothetical deal would send Tyrese Maxey and Eric Gordon to Houston in exchange for Reed Sheppard, Tari Eason, Fred VanVleet, Clint Capela, plus two first-round picks — Phoenix’s 2027 pick and the most favorable of Houston, Dallas, or Phoenix’s 2029 first-rounders.
“While he’d be awfully hard to pry out of Philadelphia, he’d be all-caps GREAT if the asset-rich Rockets could pull it off,” Buckley wrote. “He’s a star in his own right, but the fact he can play on or off the ball means he’s built to shine bright alongside other stars, like Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün.”
Buckley added that if the Sixers conclude they can’t realistically contend this season, the return could prove too tempting to pass up: “They might pounce on a couple of building blocks in Sheppard and Eason, plus the juicy, unprotected firsts they’d be getting here.”
Philadelphia’s Dilemma
The Sixers face a difficult situation. Joel Embiid, their franchise cornerstone, just started a three-year, $188 million extension that lasts through his age-34 season. His contract rises from $58 million this year to $67 million in 2027-28.
That would be manageable if Embiid were healthy. But he’s played only 58 games over the past two seasons and said he’ll never play back-to-backs again. Those concerns have reduced his trade value dramatically.
Meanwhile, Paul George isn’t helping their flexibility. Now 35, he’s owed $51 million this season and has a $56 million player option for 2027-28 — an option he’s likely to exercise. He’s coming off one of his worst seasons, averaging 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists while shooting 43% from the field and 35.8% from three. Those are his lowest averages since his rookie year.
Both players are aging and expensive. The Sixers also lack draft capital, owning no 2026 first-round pick and just one of their own between 2027 and 2029.
Maxey as the Franchise Pivot
That reality makes Tyrese Maxey their most valuable trade chip. At 24, he’s entering the second year of a five-year, $208 million deal, giving him long-term control and stability for any acquiring team.
For Houston, Maxey would fill an immediate need and fit their timeline. He’s a versatile scorer who could play alongside Kevin Durant, Alperen Şengün, and Jabari Smith Jr. while still growing with Amen Thompson. Even after this proposed trade, the Rockets would retain a deep rotation and remain a playoff contender.
For Philadelphia, parting with Maxey would hurt, but it might be necessary. The team’s roster is aging, inflexible, and short on draft assets. Trading Maxey could finally give the Sixers a way to reset their foundation and prepare for life after Embiid.
It wouldn’t be a popular move among Sixers fans, but it might be the only way forward.