76ers promote Jameer Nelson to No. 2 executive, remove Elton Brand as GM

The Philadelphia 76ers promoted Jameer Nelson to general manager and reassigned Elton Brand after another early playoff exit. Nelson, a former NBA All-Star and Philadelphia native, had served as assistant general manager since May 2025 and joined the front office in 2020. He will report to Mike Gansey, the newly hired president of basketball operations.

Front-office changes The moves follow the departure of team president Daryl Morey. Brand had held the general manager title since September 2018. Nelson’s promotion places him among the most influential voices in shaping the roster for the coming season.

Recent performance and roster outlook Philadelphia reached the Eastern Conference semifinals but was swept by the Knicks after defeating the Celtics in seven games in the first round. The 76ers have not advanced past the second round in six of their last nine playoff appearances and have not reached the conference finals in 25 years.

Contract and draft considerations Joel Embiid is under contract for the next two seasons at a combined $120 million and holds a $67 million player option for 2028-29. Paul George will earn $54 million next season, and Tyrese Maxey is set to make more than $40 million.

The team holds the No. 22 pick in the upcoming draft and must decide on free agents Quentin Grimes, Andre Drummond and Kelly Oubre.