Here’s what’s next on the Sixers’ to-do list

The 76ers have landed their top free agency target in perennial All-Star forward Paul George.

They agreed to give All-Star Tyrese Maxey a contract for up to five years.

They brought back one of last season’s key players, Kelly Oubre Jr., and began building up the perimeter with veteran center Andre Drummond and long-range shooter Eric Gordon.

” READ MORE: Paul George was the Sixers’ only hope for a title. The risk is great. The odds speak for themselves.

Consider a wildly successful first 24 hours of free agency. Still, the Sixers have work to do to fill out the rest of the roster — now with more limited cash to work with after their initial flurry of trades.

Here are some things that still need to be done:

Paul Reed’s Non-Guaranteed Deal

Reed’s future in Philly is more uncertain than ever after these early offseason moves.

The fifth-year big man was already on a non-guaranteed contract after the Sixers failed to advance to the second round of the playoffs. But then the Sixers agreed to bring back Drummond, a more proven reserve center, on a two-year deal. They also selected UCLA defensive center Adem Bona in the second round of last week’s draft.

“BBall Paul” has long been a fan favorite for his rebounding, hustle, personality and out-the-mud mentality. But it’s also understandable why the Sixers would want to upgrade the position. They were crippled whenever Embiid was off the court during their first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks, and couldn’t stay afloat during the 2023 MVP’s two-month absence from knee surgery.

So, what are the options?

The Sixers could let Reed go, which would result in an expected $9 million in cap room, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks. But without getting into too much detail, there are trade scenarios involving Reed that would see them get back a player making around $15 million. Think someone the caliber of wing Dorian Finney-Smith, who could be on the market as the Brooklyn Nets continue their rebuild after trading standout wing Mikal Bridges to the Knicks last week.

Are there any more returnees?

The Sixers entered Sunday with 11 unrestricted free agents.

So far, Oubre is back. But starting forward Tobias Harris, veteran forward Nico Batum, multi-skilled guard De’Anthony Melton and reserve center Mo Bamba are all reportedly gone.

Here are the Sixers still on the open market through Monday night 2023-2024:

Kyle Lowry: Could still be an option as a reserve point guard on a minimum contract for a veteran player given his close ties to Philly and Sixers coach Nick Nurse.

Friend Loved: A deadly long-range shooter who joined the Sixers at the trade deadline but wasn’t given enough time to replace Embiid. He eventually faded from the starting lineup, and then the playoff rotation, before delivering a breakout performance in Game 6 of the Sixers’ loss to the Knicks. After Sunday’s moves, he’s likely too expensive to re-sign.

Cameron Payne: Another trade-deadline acquisition who is an instant-offense reserve guard. He could be available on a veteran-minimum contract.

” READ MORE: Daryl Morey signs Paul George, his top target and the biggest star of free agency

KJ Martin: While he hasn’t been a consistent rotation player since transitioning to the James Harden blockbuster, the 23-year-old is an intriguing athlete and versatile defender who now feels like a wildcard to return.

Robert Covington: Would be an interesting (and likely affordable) option if healthy, after a nasty bone bruise cost him more than four months at the end of the season.

Jeff Dowtin: An in-a-pinch guard option who was initially signed to a two-way contract before being converted to a standard deal at the end of the regular season. The Sixers recently declined his team option for 2024-25.

Target the power forward and reserve point guard

These are the clear positional priorities that need to be taken into account in one way or anotherAfter the departures of Harris, Batum and Melton, and with uncertainty lingering over the futures of Lowry and Payne, rebounding, along with complementary ballhandling and playmaking, are skills the Sixers continue to need.

If the above categories aren’t enough, there are cheaper options in both places, but they happen to be well-known.

How about Dario Saric, Marcus Morris Sr., or Haywood Highsmith? (One name not yet associated with the Sixers: Kyle Anderson.)

And what about Seth Curry at guard?