The Philadelphia 76ers are in a unique position to propel themselves to the top of the Eastern Conference next season. Unlike most contenders, the 76ers have themselves situated in a spot to make huge waves this off-season. The team has pending free agents in Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey, but Maxey, an RFA, doesn’t have to sign his extension right away. By waiting and using his bird rights, the 76ers can go over the first Apron to sign Maxey. This off-season, they can free up to 65 million dollars in cap (58 if they win a first-round series, guaranteeing Paul Reed’s contract for next season). This means they have the money to give out Max-Contract level deals this free agency. They also will have up to FIVE tradeable first-round picks this off-season, so while they won’t be able to outbid the Thunder or Spurs if they go star-hunting, they’re in a unique position to make waves this off-season. The question is, what should they do? What avenues should they explore? Let’s dive into them.
Free Agency:
The 76ers have to decide which of two avenues they want to travel down. Whether or not to renounce all their Non-Tyrese Maxey free agents and free up the most possible cap space, or straddle the line between bringing some of their guys back and spending in free agency. In that case, to have the most cap space possible, they would have to come to terms with their current players first before signing anyone on the open market. For example, if the Sixers decide that they’d like to re-sign Buddy Hield and De’Anthony Melton, and they can do so for less than their cap holds are worth ($28.9M and $15.2M, respectively), would it behoove them to ink those deals before signing free agents on the open market?
For hypothetical sake, if they renounce everyone but Maxey, and re-sign Hield and Melton for a combined total of $30 million next season, they would then have $30.7M remaining in cap space. This would still leave many avenues open in free agency. However, if they were to bring back just one, or none, the avenues to land a bonafide star are more and easier to navigate. By renouncing every non-maxey free agent, they would free up around 60.7 million dollars in Cap Space this off-season.
This leaves more than enough to target free-agent possible (if he declines his PO) Paul George in free agency. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey reported that the 76ers’ “desire to acquire Paul George in free agency is the NBA’s worst-kept secret.” He added that “there are some who expect both sides to reach an agreement.” Paul George is turning 34 in early May. Based on the current $141 million cap projection for next season, he’ll be eligible for a $49.4 million maximum starting salary, and the final season of his four-year max deal—his age-37 season—would be nearly $56.8 million. This would leave the 76ers with around 10-15 million dollars in cap space following the signing, depending on the nature of PGs deal.
If LeBron were to opt-out, the Sixers would 100% be in the running to land him. Even if he opts in, if LeBron were to want out, the Sixers still have five firsts to trade. They could be in the running in the late first, or second round for Bronny if it means LeBron comes to town. A trio of LeBron, Maxey, and Embiid would shatter the league, but so would a trio of Paul George, Maxey, and Embiid.
If they wanted to go a more moderate, well-balanced route, they could bring back Hield and Melton and have roughly 30 million dollars left. Putting them in range for guys like OG Anunoby, DeMar DeRozan, a Tobias Harris reunion, Jrue Holiday, or multiple guys like Malik Monk, Bruce Brown, D’Angelo Russell, Immanuel Quickly, Klay Thompson in the unlikely event he leaves, or a Grayson Allen/KCP route.
The 76ers have a lot of different paths they can go down in Free Agency, assuming they take advantage of all (up to) 60 million dollars that the team has. For a team amid a championship window heading into the playoffs, the thought that they could have another 60 million dollars in spending room is unfathomable. This team could make waves, waves that could vault them into the range of the Celtics (in terms of regular season play).
Trade Market:
This year’s trade market has many big names that could reasonably (or a little less reasonably) be dealt. With big names and solid role players including (but not limited to) guys such as Zach LaVine, Dejounte Murray, Trae Young, Kyle Kuzma, any of the Portland Vets, Donovan Mitchell, KAT (article on the TWolves coming soon), Mikal Bridges, Jonas Valanvuncis, Brandon Ingram, potentially LeBron James, a longshot in Kevin Durant or Giannis Atentekumpo (if the Suns/Bucks get bounced in the first round or disappoint) the 76ers have many routes to go if they are a major player in the trade market. The team will have up to FIVE tradeable first-round picks this off-season that can make them a player for any major star. While the team won’t be able to outbid a team like the Spurs or Thunder, they can make a very competitive offer to a team willing to part with high-end role players or borderline/bonafide stars. Who makes the most sense for the 76ers? Here are a few stars that the team could realistically target this summer.
Dejounte Murray/Trae Young
Neither entirely fits the 76er’s needs as we head into the off-season. The thought of a Murray/Maxey could be enticing with their scoring and defensive capabilities, but how different could it be from the Murray/Young backcourt that hasn’t succeded? Yes, one team has Joel Embiid and the other doesn’t but you have to wonder if it could work. A Young/Maxey backcourt feels like a bad idea waiting to happen. Two 6’2 or smaller guards on the same team? One with questionable defense? Yes, it adds another scoring kick and 3-point shooting that the team needs, but could it be better suited from a 2-way wing? I wouldn’t count the team out, but neither should be a top priority.
Mikal Bridges
Considering how the Brooklyn Nets have seemingly enshrined Mikal Bridges as their franchise centerpiece, this one is more borderline for the others but for the 76ers, you have to call them, especially with him not taking the superstar jump he seemed prime for and the Nets missing the play-in. After all, the 27-year-old is on a discount contract, and at 6’6, Bridges is a perfect fit for Philadelphia next to Embiid and Maxey.
He has had success before as a third option, and his skill set especially complements those two well. He can create his shot at all levels with above-average efficiency, rarely forces the issue, doesn’t turn the ball over much, and most importantly, he is a premiere defender who can guard four positions.
The team has a barrage of picks to offer the Nets, who are without their picks, but have plenty of their own to deal with if they envision contention on the horizon if they could land a bonafide star (Donovan Mitchell anyone?). What would it take for the 76ers to pry the guy the Grizzlies couldn’t land for 3 or 4 firsts? That’s to be seen. He would be the perfect fit on a Philly team amid their contending window.
Zach LaVine:
A guy who’s been in trade rumors seemingly forever, and whose value has tanked yet again. A guy who has been linked to the 76ers seemingly forever could provide a good scoring punch as a third option, and taking the attention off of him with the Maxey, Embiid pairing could do the SG/SF wonders. Questionable defense, a huge contract, and on-court reliability leave some to be desired, but the value is so low that the 76ers may still be interested. Especially if teams force the Bulls to add sweeteners to a Zach LaVine deal, just to get them to take the contract. A low-risk flier on the former all-star could be an avenue worth exploring.
Donovan Mitchell
A player who could easily hit the market this off-season if Cleveland disappoints in the playoffs this year, Mitchell is a guy who, if on the market will draw many suitors. The 4-time All-Star who’s averaged 26.4 points, 6.0 assists, and 5.1 boards on 46/36 shooting would provide the team a 3rd star, one who can command defensive attention. With 27 40-point games to his name, including 71 last season, he provides an offensive and explosive player and would vault the 76ers to the top of the league. A Maxey/Mitchell/Embiid team would be a nightmare for teams to guard. 2 explosive guards and the 2 time MVP Runner-Up and reigning MVP? Come playoff time, that would be a team to fear. Can they outbid a team like the Rockets, Spurs, or Thunder team? Will said teams be interested? We’ll just have to see.
Paul George/LeBron James
Both could be avenues in Free Agency should they decline their options, but what if Paul George wants more money? What if LeBron wants to play on his 50 million-dollar option? The 76ers could be forced into a trade for one of the 2 LA wings if they want one. Both the Clippers and Lakers would prefer to get something back if they have to part with their stars. The 76ers are uniquely equipped to go ring chasing, and should a bidding war start, no team is likely to outbid the 76er’s max possible offer due to the age of the 2. What would it take for George? Would LeBron be 3 or more firsts despite being 39? It’s a murky situation if the 76ers target either by trade but both would be perfect fits with the 76ers. Paul George is the team’s top free agent target but if he wants a max extension from the team with his bird-rights, or LeBron becomes available on the trade market, the Sixers have to be in the midst of the conversations. A PG/Maxey/Embiid team would provide others nightmares but a LeBron/Maxey/Embiid team would SHATTER the NBA and immediately make them one of, if not THE best team in the league.
Whatever route the 76ers are in for the most interesting off-season among the NBAs contenders/borderline playoff teams. With 60 million in potential cap space, up to five tradeable firsts, and a front office willing to make the big deal, the splashy signing, this could get interesting fast. Even if the 76ers spend big in free agency, expect them to be a major influence on the trade market regardless. Especially in deals for high-end role players throughout the league and Veterans looking for new homes. This team is firmly in Win-Now mode and has the best avenue for improving the team. Daryl Morey and Co. are entering a make-and-break off-season that could result in a Championship or an off-season that leaves many fans of the NBA disappointed and wondering what if?
The Process may finally be paying off. Have Philly fans trusted it for long enough? Or will they have to keep waiting as they watch even more playoff disappointments, a major taint on Joel Embiids legacy? This team needs to strike big this off-season and they have the shot.
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