76ers’ Morey: ‘Caleb(Martin) is a battle-tested performer’

After losing Tobias Harris in free agency, the 76ers had a hole at the power forward spot, and on Saturday, they found his replacement.

The 76ers have signed former Miami Heat forward Caleb Martin. 

According to Adrian Wojnarowski, it’s a four-year, $32 million deal. Martin reportedly turned down a five-year, $65 million deal with the Heat before the start of free agency.

In 64 appearances (23 starts) with Miami last season, Martin averaged a career-high 10.0 points in 27.4 minutes per game, adding 4.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists.

The fifth-year pro was one of four Miami players to make at least 80 three-pointers in 2023-24.

During Miami’s run to the 2023 NBA Finals, Martin played in all 23 Heat playoff games (four starts) while averaging 12.7 points. Martin was at his best against the Celtics when he posted a pair of 25-plus point games in the team’s seven-game Eastern Conference Finals victory over Boston, including a 26-point (11-16 FG, 4-6 3FG), 10-rebound effort in the decisive Game 7.

“Caleb is a battle-tested performer who has elevated his game when his teams have needed it most,” 76er president of basketball operations Daryl Morey said in a press release. “We’re excited for him to bring his skillset and mentality to the 76ers.”

For his career, the 28-year-old has played 266 games (88 starts) with Miami and Charlotte, averaging 8.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 23.8 minutes per game.

The 6-5 Martin is an undersized power forward, but he held his own last season in Miami. This is another solid signing by Morey and the 76ers.

In a related move, the team waived backup center Paul Reed. The 25-year-old’s contract for next season was non-guaranteed after the 76ers lost to the Knicks in the first round of the playoffs. It would have been guaranteed if Philly had advanced to the second round.

In four NBA season, all with the 76ers,  Reed averaged 5.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per contest.