The 76ers have a big offseason ahead of them. They’ll have one of the best cap space situations in the league with approximately $25 million dollars to spend in the free agent market this summer. After coming off a 52 win season, they will be a big time destination for almost any free agent. Luckily for the Sixers, there are some pieces out there that could immediately help the team contend for a championship.
LeBron James
The King is currently in the middle of a jousting match with the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. It’s his 8th straight Finals appearance and the 4th consecutive time he has battled the Warriors. LeBron is widely recognized as the greatest player of this generation and possibly of all time. Adding a player of that magnitude would place the 76ers as early favorites to win the Larry O’Brien Trophy, as the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook already has.
Sure, there might be a question of fit seeing as Ben Simmons can’t really shoot outside of 16 feet and he’s the primary ball handler of the team like LeBron is for the Cavs. However, reports have come out that LeBron wants a more “off the ball role”, which he can do with the 76ers. As of now, he doesn’t have much support in Cleveland besides Kevin Love. If he came to Philly, he would have the help of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Dario Saric and more. The Sixers would have to move Jerryd Bayless’ $8.6 million dollar contract if they want to give LeBron the max. It would probably cost them a second round pick or two but it would be totally worth it if it means adding LeBron James to the team.
Paul George
Paul George is actually someone the Sixers tried to trade for when the Indiana Pacers were shopping him around. They ultimately chose to trade him to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Expect the 76ers to once again pursue the star forward this summer. While Paul George is a very strong candidate to join his hometown Los Angeles Lakers, the 76ers could offer George a better chance at winning a championship.
He would slot in perfectly next to Simmons and Embiid. He’s an elite defender and a premier scorer in this league, two things the 76ers desperately need. He can provide some versatility and slide in at the shooting guard position or either forward spot, something Brett Brown would love. Paul George could ultimately end up being a better fit for the Sixers than LeBron James, but the team can’t go wrong pursuing either player.
J.J. Redick
Redick will be hitting the market once again after signing a huge one year $23 million dollar deal with the Sixers last offseason. He had a career best season with the team and has stated that he would love to return to Philadelphia. It could be difficult to make that happen if the team signs LeBron James or Paul George to a max deal. If they don’t, then Redick should be a primary target for the team.
He averaged a career high 17.1 points per game while shooting 46% from the field and 42% from deep this season. Redick’s marksmanship from beyond the 3 point line is what originally attracted the 76ers to him and it should be what attracts them to him again. Not only did Redick provide some floor spacing for the 76ers young stars but he also contributed his veteran leadership, something every Sixer has been grateful for. While his price tag won’t be nearly as high as his current salary, if the 76ers don’t give him the money he deserves, another team surely will.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
KCP signed with the Lakers last season after not finding the perfect suitor for him. He was overpaid with $18 million dollars for one season. His price tag should be more in the $14-15 million dollar range. The Sixers can offer him a good contract and some stability, as they can also offer him a long term contract.
He is 25 so he is young enough to grow with the core. He’s a good defender and a quality shooter who is capable of scoring from all three levels. KCP can provide some versatility (notice a trend?) on both sides of the ball and would be a perfect compliment to the players already on the roster.
Avery Bradley
Avery Bradley had a down season this year but it was mostly because of the fact that he didn’t really fit with the Pistons roster, which caused him to later be traded to the LA Clippers. While he is undersized to play the shooting guard position (6’2), he is one of the best defenders in our league and a reliable shooter. His shot making and defense is something the 76ers could find valuable. Hopefully, in the right situation, Bradley can recover some of the magic that he had with the Boston Celtics.
Tyreke Evans
Tyreke Evans played very well in the absence of Mike Conley for the Memphis Grizzlies this season. He put up a respectable 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.2 assists while shooting 45% from the field and nearly 40% from downtown. The Sixers should covet his ability to play and defend 3 positions. He can provide a spark off the bench or be placed in the starting lineup. The Sixers almost acquired him at the trade deadline so he should be high up on their list of targets.
Rodney Hood
Rodney Hood has recently addressed his difficulty with handling the pressure that comes with playing with LeBron James and constantly being under a microscope. Before being traded to Cleveland, Hood was averaging 16.8 points for the Utah Jazz. He only averaged 10.8 points per game with the Cavs in the regular season and has failed to make any sort of impact in the playoffs this year.
While Philly may have some pressure to advance to the Finals next year, most of the media’s eyes will be on Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. If the 76ers don’t land LeBron, Philly could offer the two way wing a second chance at showing what he’s really capable of.
Ed Davis
Ed Davis is as solid of a rebounder as they come. He pounds the glass for loose balls and can finish strong at the rim. He averaged 5.3 points and 7.4 rebounds with the Trail Blazers. Davis could be a serviceable backup center to Joel Embiid if the team decides not to bring back Amir Johnson.
Luc Mbah a Moute
Luc Mbah a Moute was a key piece in the Houston Rockets successful season last year. He averaged 7.5 points and 3 rebounds for the team while effortlessly switching onto defenders night in and night out. He actually played for the Sixers in 2014, where he helped mentor the younger players while they were in the middle of a difficult rebuild. Not only does he have that connection with the team but he also has a really good relationship with star center Joel Embiid. Mbah a Moute actually discovered Embiid at a basketball camp. Go figure. I’m sure a reunion between Mbah a Moute, Embiid and the Sixers would be welcomed by all sides.
Javale McGee
Another former Sixer, even though for a very short time, McGee can provide some energy off the bench whenever Embiid needs a rest. He was a big part of the Warriors Game 2 win against the Cavs where he put up 12 points on 6-6 shooting. McGee, despite his occasional Shaqtin’ a Fool appearances, is a quality big man who the 76ers can add for some more bench depth.
Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
