Elton Brand out as GM, Jameer Nelson promoted in 76ers shakeup

Former NBA guard Jameer Nelson is taking on a significantly larger role within the 76ers organization following a dramatic front-office shakeup.

With Daryl Morey no longer the team president, the 76ers have also removed Elton Brand from his role as general manager — a position he held since September 2018.

Taking his place will be Nelson, the Philadelphia native and former NBA All-Star who has been the team’s assistant general manager since May 2025 and has been in the team’s front office since 2020.

Nelson will work under Mike Gansey, the newly hired president of basketball operations.

The changes for Philadelphia follow yet another disappointing postseason exit, as Philadelphia’s hopes of a deep run ended, once again, in the second round of the playoffs.

Coming off the high of a seven-game series win against the Celtics, which included three straight victories to end the first round, the 76ers were swept by the Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Nelson has steadily climbed the organizational ladder since transitioning from his playing career.

The former Magic star has worked in player development, scouting and executive roles, leading to his promotion to the general manager seat.

His promotion signals a new direction for a team attempting to regroup after another second-round exit.

The 76ers haven’t reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years, and since becoming a perennial playoff team again, they’ve been eliminated in the second round in six of their last nine seasons.

Philadelphia enters the offseason with major roster questions, too.

Joel Embiid, 32, is going to make a combined $120 million for the next two seasons, with a $67 million player option in 2028-29.

Paul George, 36, will enter the third year of a four-year deal, earning $54 million next season with a $56.6 million player option for 2027-28.

Tyrese Maxey, 25, has three years remaining and will make over $40 million next season.

The 76ers, who own the No. 22 pick in the draft, will also have free agency decisions to make on Quentin Grimes, Andre Drummond and Kelly Oubre.

With this hiring, Nelson now becomes one of the most influential figures in shaping Philadelphia’s future.

Before enjoying a successful NBA playing career, Nelson starred at Saint Joseph’s University, where he became one of the most accomplished players in program history.

After being the No. 20 pick in the 2004 draft, Nelson played with the Magic for 10 seasons, and starred on the 2008-09 team, which reached the NBA Finals and lost to the Lakers for Kobe Bryant’s first ring post Shaquille O’Neal.

Nelson, an All-Star that season, averaged 16.7 points and 5.4 assists per game while shooting 50 percent from the field, 45 percent from three and 89 percent on free throws.

He retired following the 2018 season after stints with the Nuggets, Pelicans, Celtics, Pistons and Mavericks.