NBA’s crackdown on tampering continues as league punishes 76ers for negotiating with PJ Tucker and Daniel House Jr. before free agency by stripping two second-round picks
The Philadelphia 76ers have been hit with a penalty after being found guilty of violating NBA free agency rules, as the league continues its crackdown on tampering.
The league found the 76ers had opened talks with PJ Tucker and Daniel House Jr. before they were allowed to.
The team has lost its second-round draft pick next year and in 2024 as a result.
Philadelphia 76ers negotiated with PJ Tucker (L) and Daniel House Jr. (R) before free agency
An NBA statement Monday read: ‘The NBA announced today that the Philadelphia 76ers violated league rules governing the timing of this season’s free agency discussions and that the league has revoked Philadelphia’s second-round pick in each of the 2023 and 2024 Drafts.
The rescindment of two Draft picks reflected findings, following an investigation, that the 76ers engaged in free agency discussions involving two players (PJ Tucker and Danuel House Jr.) prior to the date when such discussions were permitted.
‘The team fully cooperated with the investigation.’
Tucker signed a $30 million, three-year contract and House signed for $8.4 million over two years.
The Sixers were able to sign Tucker to the full mid-level exception and House to the bi-annual exception because star guard James Harden declined his $47.4m option and agreed to be paid about $14.5m less this season to give the 76ers flexibility in signing players.
If Harden had opted in before his June 30 deadline, Philadelphia would have had a much more difficult time finding the money to lure free agents.
The Sixers were able to sign Tucker to the full mid-level exception and House to the bi-annual exception because James Harden agreed to be paid about $14.5m less this season
‘The Philadelphia 76ers fully cooperated with the NBA’s investigation and acknowledge the league’s ruling,’ the team said in a statement.
‘We’re moving forward, focused on the season ahead.’
ESPN reported Monday that the league and the players’ association are likely to reevaluate free agency rules regarding the start of negotiations.
The Sixers are hoping to make a run at the NBA title with a roster led by Joel Embiid and Harden. Tucker was brought in to be the defensive difference-maker the team lacked last season.
The NBA approved stiffer penalties for tampering in 2019 and stripped a draft pick from both the Chicago Bulls for early contact with Lonzo Ball and the Miami Heat for doing the same with Kyle Lowry in the summer of 2021.
The Sixers are hoping to make a run at the NBA title with a roster led by Joel Embiid and Harden
.