(Photo : Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – Joel Embiid (#21) of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center on April 25, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
New Jersey could be returning to the NBA in 2032 as the city makes a push to convince the 76ers to move east of Philadelphia to Camden.
In a letter from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority sent to 76ers owner Harris Blitzer Sports Entertainment, the agency offered the team over $900 million in tax credits and government-issued bonds if it agreed to bring the squad to NJ.
A copy of the letter published by CBS News showed NJEDA expressing its “strong interest” in redeveloping Camden, New Jersey, which will include a world-class sports and entertainment arena.
“Choosing Camden as the 76ers’ new home will be the best decision you will ever make. I look forward to continuing our discussions to bring this dream project for Camden to reality,” NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan wrote.
“We are committed to bringing the 76ers to Camden,” he added.
The offer comes as the Philadelphia-based NBA team faces backlash over its proposed new 76 Place arena. One of the reasons for the pushback is the possible negative impact it has on small businesses around the proposed location, CBS News said.
Traffic problems and effects on the Center City neighborhood are also issues being pointed out.
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Responding to the letter, the 76ers management said it is “seriously” considering the offer.
“The reality is we are running out of time to reach an agreement that will allow the 76ers to open our new home in time for the 2031-32 NBA season. As a result, we must take all potential options seriously, including this one,” the statement read, per New York Post.
New Jersey’s NBA Past
Before the Nets called Brooklyn its home, the team was known as the New Jersey Nets from 1977 to 2012.
At its peak, the squad was led by Hall of Famer and 10-time NBA All-Star Jason Kidd. It reached the NBA Finals in two consecutive seasons (2001-02 and 2002-03) but failed to win a championship.
Other notable New Jersey Nets players include Vince Carter, Deron Williams, Stephon Marbury, and Richard Jefferson.
At the time the Nets moved to New York, rapper Jay-Z was among its owners. In 2013, he sold his stake in the team.
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