Paul Reed has had his $1,782,621 salary for the 2022/23 season fully guaranteed by the Sixers, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link).
As Wojnarowski observes (via Twitter), Philadelphia technically didn’t have to make a decision on Reed’s deal until January, but the team opted to guarantee it a few months early. Reed will be a restricted free agent in 2023 if he’s extended a $2,228,276 qualifying offer.
The 23-year-old was the 58th overall pick of the 2020 draft after three college seasons with DePaul. He has had a minor role at the NBA level to this point, averaging 3.2 points and 2.4 rebounds in 7.5 minutes per contest in 64 games over the past two seasons.
However, Reed has been a star for the Delaware Blue Coats, the Sixers’ G League affiliate. He has averaged 22.3 points, 12.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.8 blocks on .582/.436/.725 shooting in 24 NBA GL games (31.6 minutes) since he was drafted two years ago.
The 6’9″ big man has served as the primary backup center to Joel Embiid during preseason over veteran Montrezl Harrell, though head coach Doc Rivers said on Wednesday that the two will split time behind Embiid, per ESPN’s Tim Bontemps (Twitter link).
Reed was in a training camp battle with Isaiah Joe and Charles Bassey for the 14th spot on the 15-man standard roster. The Sixers ended up waiving both Joe and Bassey yesterday, and it appears as though they’ll keep the 15th spot open for now to maintain roster and financial flexibility.
Reed is decent for the 14th, good instincts and a smart player.
Basketball Paul. Should play over Montrezl IMO
Most of Philly would agree, but not me. Personally I’m expecting Harrell to get and hold the primary back up 5…but perhaps one or both will get some backup 4 minutes as well.
Completely agree,Sixers are deep,talented and well coached.
Reed is a decent third option behind the MVP joel Embid and montrez. Can also play a bit of 4 if needed.