As the Philadelphia 76ers navigate the offseason, there are only so many avenues the team can use to improve.
At the moment, there are per HoopsHypeThe Sixers have:
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- Mid-tier non-taxpayer exemption: $12,220,000 (may lose access to this if they cross the apron)
- Two-year exception: $4,448,000 (can lose access to this if they go over the salary cap)
Of course, there are sign-and-trade opportunities, but they are always difficult to pull off. President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey has a lot of questions to answer.
The biggest question is, of course, James Harden, but you expect Morey and the Sixers to figure something out.
Free agency starts June 30. For Spotracthe Sixers must decide on nine free agents.
The Sixers Wire provides an updated prediction on who stays and who goes:
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There is a lot to unpack here. Morey has stated that the Sixers have an interest in bringing Harden back. It makes sense. The Beard is an elite playmaker, and he just led the league in assists while shooting a career high from deep.
Harden has been linked to a reunion with the Houston Rockets since Christmas Day. The Beard hasn’t exactly denied those reports, but you could count on him using it as leverage to entice the Sixers to give him more money. The Sixers are unlikely to give him a $200 million contract, but Harden and Morey have a close relationship, so they should be able to work something out.
At first, it seemed like Harden to the Rockets would be a foregone conclusion. Now? Not so much. He’s torn about his decision, and since he’s chasing a championship, the Sixers are giving him the best chance to do so. Maybe the Rockets won’t give him what he’s looking for. Maybe he sees what the Sixers offer. Either way, this is a new prediction for him.
Forecast: Stay
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Reed took over the backup big man spot behind Joel Embiid after the All-Star break. He had a nice showing in the playoffs, averaging 4.6 points and 5.5 rebounds, while also coming up with double-doubles in the two games Joel Embiid missed (Game 4 against the Brooklyn Nets and Game 1- victory over the Boston Celtics).
Reed’s playoff performance was expected to garner plenty of attention around the league. You have to think he’ll receive a big offer, but Philadelphia will likely match anything that comes his way if he signs elsewhere, within reason.
Nothing changes. One has to expect Reed to return.
Forecast: Stay
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Niang has expressed interest in returning to the Sixers in free agency, but one has to wonder if he will fit Philadelphia’s price range. He averaged 8.2 points and 2.4 rebounds while shooting 40.1% from deep in the 2022-23 season, so he’s a nice piece to have off the bench and provide some scoring.
At this point, nothing has changed with this prediction. The team likes Niang and he fits what they want off the bench. He is a productive player for this group.
Forecast: Stay
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McDaniels is interesting because the Sixers acquired him at the deadline to bring his talent off the bench in the playoffs, but he didn’t play after Game 3 against the Celtics. He can be a long way off the bench for a title contender, but the playoffs seemed to be too much for him. In his defense, it was his first time in that environment, so he can always build on that.
After initially believing that McDaniels would seek greener pastures elsewhere, that prediction has changed. He has plenty of potential and the Sixers can continue to build with him. He has been spotted wearing Sixers gear during his summer workouts.
Forecast: Stay
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Milton was a big part of Philadelphia’s rotation early in the season when the Sixers were ravaged by injuries. He eventually fell out of the rotation and didn’t get much time during the playoffs. You have to count on him to look elsewhere in free agency.
Forecast: Walks
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Harrell has a $2.8 million player option for the 2023-24 season and is expected to pick it up and return. That’s guaranteed money for him and he can continue to mentor Reed and be a nice veteran presence for this team. Even when he fell out of the rotation, he cheered on his teammates from the sidelines.
Forecast: Stay
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Plucked from the buyout market, Dedmon played just eight games during the season and saw garbage time in the playoffs. He was here mostly to provide depth and be more of a veteran mentor. He will likely seek another role elsewhere.
Forecast: Walks
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Coming off a two-way deal, McClung is unlikely to get his deal reworked here in Philly. He spent the majority of his 2022–23 season in the G League, where he teamed with Jaden Springer to lead the Delaware Blue Coats to a G League title. He also won the NBA dunk contest in February.
Considering the Sixers still have title hopes, it’s hard to see McClung coming back. He will likely look to find a bigger role and find his niche in the league.
Forecast: Walks
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King is in the same boat as McClung. He is a solid player who has the ability to play both ends of the floor, but is unlikely to return. He will look for a younger team to find his place in the NBA.
Forecast: Walks