NBA: Sixers hand the keys to Morey with five-year deal
PHILADELPHIA— Continuing a season of major off-season moves, the 76ers will hire Daryl Morey as president of basketball operations, the Inquirer confirmed Wednesday.
According to sources, Morey met with the Sixers on Monday and Tuesday. He’s expected to return to Philadelphia by the end of the week after finalizing a five-year deal.
In his new role, he would be the top decision-maker, while Elton Brand would remain as general manager. Brand has three years left on his contract, according to a source. Assistant GM Ned Cohen will also remain.
Alex Rucker, who was demoted, is expected to be let go. He will be with the Sixers through the transition, according to a source. The timeframe could be three weeks, three months or more.
With new coach Doc Rivers and Morey, the Sixers get experience and an upgrade. A league source said noted high-profile executives such as Morey and Toronto boss Masai Ujiri do not come available often, so managing partner Josh Harris scooped him up quickly the way he did with Rivers.
Morey resigned two weeks ago as general manager of the Houston Rockets. He had been the GM since May 2007, after serving as assistant general manager for more than a year.
The Inquirer reported last month that the Sixers were targeting Morey to join the front office. Morey, 48, is one of the true analytical experts in the NBA.
The Sixers also have hired Peter Dinwiddie as executive vice-president of basketball operations and Prosper Karangwa as vice-president of player personnel. Dinwiddie was senior vice-president with the
Indiana Pacers. Karangwa was the Orlando Magic’s director of scouting.
In addition, the Sixers hired Jameer Nelson as a scout and assistant GM of the G League’s Delaware Blue Coats.
Morey has many decisions to make in a short time, with the NBA draft scheduled for Nov. 18. The Sixers have the No. 21 pick in the first round and four second-round selections.
Morey became a centre of controversy during the preseason when he tweeted in support of the Hong Kong protests.
The tweet led to China pulling the NBA off its airwaves and suspending sponsorship agreements with the league.