76ers' front office search has narrowed to two candidates

The Philadelphia 76ers’ search to find a new President of Basketball Operations has been one of the bigger storylines surrounding the team since their elimination from the playoffs. The search came after the team parted ways with Daryl Morey, which ended a six-year stint at the helm of the Sixers’ operation.

Their search, which has been led by former Golden State Warriors executive Bob Myers, has had several names attached to it. Some of the early names tied to the position included the likes of Matt Lloyd, Nick U’Ren, Onsi Saleh, and Bryson Graham, among others. However, as the days progressed, reports came out that Philadelphia’s search had narrowed, and it appears their list may have some names rising to the top.

Who are the Sixers’ candidates now?

As reported by The Stein Line's Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the Sixers are highly considering Jameer Nelson and Mike Gansey to take the reins left by Morey.

“Sources say Gansey and Sixers assistant general manager Jameer Nelson are regarded as the current leading candidates for the post,” writes The Stein Line.

There had been some speculation earlier in the week that Nelson could be in line for a promotion regardless of how the search shakes out. As for Gansey, it would be a move away from the Cleveland Cavaliers, with whom he has been the general manager since 2022.

If Nelson is to get the position, it would be a step up from his current assistant general manager role and wouldn’t be something he isn’t used to, as he served in the front office for the Sixers’ G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats, from 2020 to 2025.

The reported interest in the aforementioned front office members comes after the Sixers had reportedly met with U'Ren of the Phoenix Mercury for an interview regarding the vacant post.

"The Stein Line has learned that Cleveland's Mike Gansey and Phoenix Mercury GM Nick U'Ren were summoned to Philadelphia in recent days for interviews with Sixers ownership for their head of basketball operations vacancy," writes The Stein Line.

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