Full Breakdown
Daryl Morey Out as Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations
5/13/2026, 4:50:00 AM
The Decision
On May 12 2026, the Philadelphia 76ers announced that Daryl Morey was relieved of his duties as president of basketball operations. The move followed a meeting between Morey and owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer in Philadelphia. Head coach Nick Nurse will remain for a fourth season, while Bob Myers—president of sports for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and a four-time NBA champion architect with the Golden State Warriors—will oversee the department and lead the search for a permanent replacement.
Background & Context
Morey was hired in November 2020 after a 13-year tenure with the Houston Rockets. Over six seasons he compiled a 270-212 regular-season record and guided the Sixers to five playoff appearances, but the team never advanced beyond the Eastern Conference semifinals. Notable moves included the 2022 acquisition of James Harden, Harden’s 2023 trade to the Los Angeles Clippers, a four-year, $212 million max contract for Paul George in 2024, and a three-year, $192.9 million extension for Joel Embiid in 2025.
Key Figures & Groups
- Daryl Morey – former president of basketball operations.
- Josh Harris & David Blitzer – co-owners of the franchise.
- Bob Myers – interim overseer and search leader.
- Nick Nurse – head coach.
- Joel Embiid, Paul George, Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, VJ Edgecombe – primary players affected by roster decisions.
Timeline
- Nov 2020: Morey hired.
- Feb 2022: Trade for James Harden.
- Oct 2023: Harden traded to the Clippers.
- Summer 2024: Paul George signs max deal.
- June 2025: Embiid signs three-year extension.
- 2025 NBA Draft: VJ Edgecombe selected No. 3 overall.
- Feb 2024: McCain traded to Oklahoma City for draft picks.
- 2025-26 season: 45-37 record, first-round upset of Boston, second-round sweep by New York.
- May 12 2026: Morey dismissed.
Data & Statistics
- Regular-season record under Morey: 270-212.
- 2025-26 record: 45-37 (7th in the East).
- Playoff appearances: 5; deepest run: second round.
- Embiid, George, Maxey combined for 43 games over the past two seasons (21-22 record).
- Upcoming salary obligations: ? $153 million for Embiid, George, and Maxey.
Why It Matters
The dismissal signals a shift in Philadelphia’s strategy after repeated playoff disappointments. With three max contracts consuming a large share of the cap, the franchise’s flexibility to add depth is limited. Ownership’s acknowledgment of fan frustration underscores pressure to rebuild toward a sustainable contender.
Official Statements & Responses
Josh Harris said the organization “has fallen well short of our own expectations” and expressed “respect” for Morey while emphasizing a “fresh start.” Bob Myers highlighted the city’s passion for the Sixers and pledged a “thorough and deliberate” search for new leadership. Both affirmed confidence in Nick Nurse’s continued role.
Criticism & Opposition
James Harden publicly labeled Morey a “liar” during his 2023 exit. Joel Embiid later accused Morey of preventing him from playing when healthy. Fans and analysts criticized the $212 million George contract and the February trade of Jared McCain, arguing the moves eroded roster depth and flexibility.
On-the-Ground Reports
Knicks fans filled Xfinity Mobile Arena for the decisive Game 4, creating a hostile environment that players described as “absolutely sucks.” The bench scored only 11 points in that loss, highlighting depth concerns.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources uniformly report five playoff appearances and a 270-212 record, leaving no major factual contradictions. Gaps remain regarding the timeline for hiring a permanent POBO and the specific roster moves the new executive will prioritize.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Daryl personally and professionally, and I’m grateful for his contributions over the last six seasons,” — Josh Harris, Managing Partner
- “After speaking with Daryl, we determined that it was time for a fresh start.” — Josh Harris
- “To our fans, your frustration and disappointment are understandable and warranted.” — Josh Harris
- “I know how much the 76ers mean to the City of Philadelphia, and it’s important we find the right leader to shape the future of this team,” — Bob Myers
- “Let me say that again: Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.” — James Harden
What’s Next
Bob Myers will conduct an immediate search for a new president of basketball operations, while the organization evaluates Nick Nurse’s contract. The Sixers enter free agency with $153 million in max contracts and a roster that includes aging stars and a promising rookie in Edgecombe. Upcoming draft assets—first-round picks in 2026, 2027, and a protected 2028 pick owed to Brooklyn—will shape the next phase of roster construction.
