Lack of Extension Talks With 76ers Won't Stop Tyrese Maxey

Over the offseason, the Philadelphia 76ers opted not to extend Tyrese Maxey's rookie deal, but that's not stopping him from working this season.

This offseason was supposed to be a big one for third-year guard Tyrese Maxey, who has seemingly year-over-year fulfilled a bigger role for the Philadelphia 76ers since his debut in 2020.

First playing back up to Ben Simmons before filling his shoes the following season after the Australian guard's untimely exit in 2021, to then posting career-high numbers last season, as the 22-year-old averaged 20 points and three assists on 48 percent from the field.

With all of these accomplishments occurring over the span of his rookie contract, which expires at the end of the 2023-24 season, it was thought to be a no-brainer that Daryl Morey and the Philadelphia front office would choose to pen the former Kentucky guard to a longer deal.

However, this hasn't happen yet, with the Sixers opting to ride out the final year of his contract before making any moves on it.

In an interview with Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer, Maxey talked about his reaction to his lack of extension talks with Philadelphia, expressing that while difficult, he recognizes that it's part of the industry.

“It can be tough, it can be, you know when you have expectations," said Maxey, "But you’re not obligated to anything, I understand it’s the business aspect of it.”

Granted, this isn't going to stop Maxey from working, as he is aware of his spot in the league and his duty to his team and the city of Philadelphia, who he has more than praised in the past.

“I just look at it as I’m gonna go out there and still play, I’m still on the 76ers." explained Maxey, "I love it here, and I want to help us win, and at the end of the day, that’s my contract, and that’s what I’ll fulfill. I love Philly. And we’ll see what happens.”

If the three preseason games that Maxey has played in have proved anything, it's that he is still interested in giving it his all, as he is averaging 16 points and three assists per game.

With James Harden's future in Philadelphia's backcourt seemingly coming to an end, with the ten-time All-Star failing to report to practice on Wednesday, Maxey's role in the Sixers' backcourt will be more important than ever.