With the 2020 NBA free agency period expected to be a big one for the Philadelphia 76ers, PhillySportsNetwork writer Zach Ciavolella (@ZCiavoPSN) proposed the idea of the team bringing back Dario Saric. Less than two weeks later and it appears this idea has started to pick up steam.
In a story put out by Paul Hudrick (@PaulHudrick) of NBC Sports Philadelphia, Saric was named as one of six potential big men the Sixers could look to target this offseason. Highlighting the versatility that Saric provides as a floor-spacing power forward or a small-ball center, Hudrick had this to say about a possible reunion:
“Saric did love his time here and played the best basketball of his NBA career. He’s a restricted free agent so the Suns would likely have to rescind his rights for the Sixers to have a chance. If the price is right, you can’t rule out a reunion.”
For starters, the biggest hurdle when it comes to bringing Saric back to Philadelphia is that of his restricted free agent status. While it seems unlikely that the Phoenix Suns will look to retain him, you can’t rule it out.
Saric has averaged a career-low 10.1 points per game since being traded to the Suns.
The Croatian born forward excelled during his time with the 76ers. He fit in perfectly next to Joel Embiid in the frontcourt due to his above-average shooting and ball-handling abilities, and his gritty attitude left him beloved by the Philadelphia fans. At still just 26 years old, there’s reason to believe he could still give the Sixers a few years worth of solid starter-caliber play.
Since being traded away from Philly (in return for Jimmy Butler), Saric has spoken highly about his time with the 76ers. He appears to still have a lot of love for both the fans and the players, and a return to the team that drafted him would surely intrigue him.
When it comes to affording a player of his caliber, that’s where things begin to get a little complicated. Zach did a fantastic job breaking down all the avenues which Elton Brand and the Sixers would have to go down in order to sign him, make sure to check that out here: “Could the Sixers Reunite with Dario Saric this Offseason“.
Finding a way to land Dario Saric this offseason would be a step back in the right direction for the Sixers as they continue to struggle with building a capable roster around their two star players. Saric can shoot, can handle the basketball, and hustles hard, all things the Sixers are expected to prioritize this summer.
NBC Sports Philadelphia article on Saric: https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/dario-saric
Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
