Sixers Match Jazz's Offer for Paul Reed

Paul Reed is back in Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia 76ers are bringing Paul Reed back. 

After the Utah Jazz made an offer to the Sixers' restricted free agent, Philadelphia will match the terms.

Reed’s stint with the Sixers started in 2020 when he became a late second-round pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. After the 76ers picked up two guards by drafting Tyrese Maxey and Isaiah Joe, they went with a frontcourt selection to land Reed with the 58th overall pick.

Initially signed to a two-way deal, Reed made a name for himself in the NBA G League playing with the Sixers’ affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats. After a successful run in the developmental league, Reed was named the MVP and Rookie of the Year for the 2020 season.

Shortly after Reed’s rookie season in the G League, he was rewarded with a standard NBA contract with the 76ers. In year one, Reed appeared in 26 games and averaged three points, two rebounds, and one block while spending just seven minutes on the court.

Although Reed wasn’t issued steady playing time at the start of his sophomore effort, he did make 38 appearances during the regular season before ultimately being named the backup center behind Joel Embiid at the start of the 2022 NBA Playoffs.

After averaging four points and four rebounds in 12 games during the 2022 postseason, Reed was expected to compete for the backup center position in 2022-2023. The Sixers signed Montrezl Harrell to compete with Reed and Charles Bassey for the minutes. Although Reed beat out Bassey, who was waived ahead of the regular season, the former DePaul standout sat behind Harrell to begin the year.

Reed and Harrell would switch off behind Embiid throughout the year. The third-year center appeared in a career-high of 69 games, averaging 11 minutes on the floor per outing. Eventually, Reed was acknowledged as the backup center behind Embiid for the playoff run for the second-straight season.

As the Sixers dominated the Brooklyn Nets during the first round of the 2023 playoffs, Reed shined. He even picked up two starts throughout the playoff run, appearing in the starting five during Game 4 of round one and Game 1 of round two. After wrapping up the 11-game postseason run, Reed finished with a career-high of five points and six rebounds while making 58 percent of his shots.

Heading into the offseason as a restricted free agent, Reed was expected to garner attention from other teams, especially after his playoff performance. Although the Sixers extended a qualifying offer to Reed, the Utah Jazz turned up the pressure with an offer.

Reed ended up signing a three-year offer sheet worth $23 million. The Jazz also included a full guarantee in the first year, along with another guarantee incentive if Reed’s team makes it past the first round of the playoffs. 

With the Sixers matching the sheet, Reed signs on with the Sixers for three seasons. He will be joined by Montrezl Harrell and the newly-signed Mo Bamba at the center spot.