Report: 76ers make notable Tyrese Maxey contract decision

May 5, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) against the Boston Celtics during game three of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia 76ers are dealing with some major decisions this summer, and are taking a risky one with guard Tyrese Maxey.

The 76ers will not attempt to sign Maxey to a long-term extension this summer, according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN. While the Sixers still view Maxey as a core piece long-term, they are trying to preserve salary cap space for next summer by delaying the move.

The Sixers are not planning to extend Tyrese Maxey this summer, sources told ESPN. He is still seen as a big part of their future, but the team wants to delay an extension for him to preserve flexibility.

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) June 30, 2023

Maxey will make a rather paltry $4.3 million this season for the Sixers, but will be eligible for restricted free agency next summer. The Sixers are taking a risk by letting that happen, but they certainly appear to value flexibility above certainty at this point.

Maxey has emerged as a key player for the 76ers and averaged 20.3 points per game last season. An improved season could jack up his price even more. Considering James Harden is likely on the move, that is entirely within the realm of possibility.