Free agent forward Montrezl Harrell has agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Philadelphia 76ers, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Thursday.
Harrell, originally signed as a free agent before the start of the 2022-23 season, averaged 5.6 points and 2.8 rebounds in 57 games at the backup center spot behind MVP and league scoring champion Joel Embiid.
Harrell was the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2019-20 while in his final of three seasons with the LA Clippers and has also played for the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets in eight seasons since coming into the league as a second-round pick in 2015 out of Louisville.
Veteran forward Montrezl Harrell will stay put this offseason, as he agreed Thursday to re-sign with the Philadelphia 76ers on a one-year deal, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Harrell had declined his $2.7 million player option for the 2023-24 season to test the open market, but he ultimately opted to stick with a familiar situation.
Harrell saw limited action for Philadelphia in 2022-23, appearing in 57 games with seven starts while averaging 5.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 11.9 minutes per game, the second-lowest marks of his eight-year career. He only played in two of the Sixers’ playoff games for a total of seven minutes before they were eliminated in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
At his best, Harrell was known for providing intense energy on both ends of the floor as well as consistent rebounding. The 29-year-old has career averages of 12.1 points and 5.0 rebounds and a field-goal percentage of 61.9. He has also suited up for the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets in his career.
Retaining Harrell gives Philadelphia a veteran presence and more frontcourt depth behind star center and reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid. He will surely be hoping to see more playing time next season under new head coach Nick Nurse, who was hired to replace Doc Rivers following the Sixers’ disappointing playoff exit.
He may find himself in a crowded center situation yet again, however, with Mo Bamba signed this offseason and reports that the Sixers want to also retain restricted free agent Paul Reed.