Despite it seeming unlikely early on, the Sixers have agreed to a deal with Danny Green to keep the veteran wing in Philly for two more years.
Despite reports that he seemingly preferred to sign elsewhere, the Sixers have agreed to a contract with Danny Green. The 12-year veteran had discussions with several teams, including the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, and was also in talks for a sing-and-trade which would send him to the Brooklyn Nets. The Sixers held Danny Green’s Bird Rights which allowed them to offer him more money than they would have been able to pay any other player. He has agreed to a 2 year $20 million deal, with some reports saying the second year is a team option.
The three-time NBA champion first came over to the Sixers in the trade that sent Al Horford to the OKC Thunder. Green shot 40.5% from beyond the three-point line last season on a career-high 6.3 attempts. He also averaged 9.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while proving to be an important leader on the team. Green’s willing trigger proved a perfect compliment to the post dominance of Joel Embiid and drive-and-kick tendencies of Ben Simmons.
As a perfect complimentary piece on a contending team, it is no surprise Danny Green was a sought-after commodity in free agency. He shot 44.2% on corner threes this season, with 45.6% of his attempts coming from this spot on the floor. He also deserves credit for playing a career-high 50 minutes and shot 21 three-point attempts in a game against the Miami Heat this year as the Sixers were shorthanded due to Covid exposure.
At 34-years-old, Danny Green still has something left in the tank. He is a player that the Sixers would have realized they missed greatly if he had left and the little things he does to help the team are essential to a team’s success. His absence was greatly felt in the Sixers’ second-round loss to the Hawks, and if he was on the court, there might not be as sour of a taste when thinking about the end of the Sixers season.
Despite some comments showing criticism toward Sixers fans, Danny Green should be welcomed back with open arms, and it should be kept in mind that the root of these comments was simply defending his teammate- Ben Simmons. This signing should be looked at as a huge success for the Sixers as it did not seem likely he was coming back for this first stretch of free agency.
