Tom Penn has emerged as the frontrunner for the general manager job with the Philadelphia 76ers, according to league sources.
Penn, a former assistant GM with the Portland Trail Blazers and Memphis Grizzlies, currently works as an NBA analyst for ESPN.
Penn would work alongside current Sixers president and GM Rod Thorn. Thorn, who is involved in Philadelphia's search for his successor, is entering the last year of his contract and will remain as team president for the upcoming season. He will then work with the club as a consultant.
While no timetable has been given for the hire, Penn, who already has interviewed with the Sixers, will meet again with team representatives Tuesday in New York City, sources said.
Penn is well-regarded in league circles and is viewed as one of the brighter young minds in the game. Sixers owner Josh Harris and coach Doug Collins are very high on him, according to sources.
While Penn is the frontrunner, former New Orleans Hornets GM Jeff Bower is still a candidate as well, one source said.
Penn, who worked with Portland from 2007-10, was also in consideration for the Orlando Magic GM job that went to Rob Hennigan.
