The Sixers are winding down one of the most disappointing seasons in the last ten years and hope that some health and lottery luck can help them recover next season. They also have to find creative ways to address some of the roster’s holes in free agency.
Before they look outside of the organization, they need to make decisions or determine the future of upcoming or potential free agents on the current roster. Here’s a look at the Sixers’ internal free agency big board:
Unrestricted free agents
Guerschon Yabusele and Kyle Lowry
Guerschon Yabusele was signed late in the summer with the expectation that he would fill one of the final roster spots and possibly compete for minutes. He blossomed into a major contributor and one of the most consistent Sixers this season.
Yabusele showed his versatility just about every night and built a nice chemistry with Tyrese Maxey. His play was a pleasant surprise and should be a top priority for the front office to try to bring back, although he’s certainly built up quite the market for himself.
Kyle Lowry‘s potential final season in the NBA was injury-riddled and underachieving. His presence wasn’t felt on the court, but he continued to pour knowledge into the young players on the team. If Lowry does retire, don’t be surprised if you see him on the bench as a coach with Nick Nurse.
Sixers with player options
Kelly Oubre Jr., Andre Drummond, and Eric Gordon
All three of these players have the ability to opt-out and become free agents this offseason. The real question, though, is whether or not they will opt out. Oubre Jr. has an $8.4 million option and has said on the record multiple times that he has found a home in Philadelphia, showing he can adapt to different roles. He may not get an offer more than his $8.4 million option in free agency, given the projected free agency landscape, so testing the waters may be out of the question.
Andre Drummond, meanwhile, has a $5 million option, while Eric Gordon has a $3.5 million option for next season. Both players had their seasons riddled with injury and inconsistent play on the court. The expectation of Drummond being a reliable piece as the backup for Joel Embiid didn’t go well. He was barely healthy, and on most nights that he did play, he didn’t play well. Gordon had a hot stretch in January but, outside of that, failed to provide much impact. Both players could test the waters, but it is highly unlikely.
Sixers with team options
Justin Edwards, Jared Butler, and Lonnie Walker IV
With the roster decimated by injury, all three of these players were able to get extended runs for the Sixers to show how they could contribute in the future. Justin Edwards went from an undrafted two-way deal to a standard contract to someone who has carved out a solid role going forward. Jared Butler and Lonnie Walker IV were able to bring an infusion of athleticism to a team that was giving minutes to much older veterans. Butler and Walker both could have a chance to be back on the team.
Restricted free agents
Quentin Grimes was a trade deadline acquisition that has turned into potentially a big piece for this team moving forward. Grimes has had an extended opportunity to show how he can contribute to the Sixers on the ball, off the ball, and on the defensive end.
Resigning Grimes should be a priority for the club. With his bird rights and restricted status, the Sixers can match any offer he receives from another team. Since joining the Sixers, he’s averaged 22.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. He can sit next to Maxey in the starting lineup and provide whatever the team needs on a given night.
Overall, the Sixers have some decisions to make, and how they tackle their own free agents will determine who they can get on the open market for other teams.
