Players Looking At The Door PART ONE
The Philadelphia 76ers currently have five players with contracts which expire at the end of the 2016-2017 season. They are as follows:
I Power Forward Ersan Ilyasova. Ilyasova was obtained in the trade which sent small forward Jerami Grant to the Oklahoma City Thunder. In exhange, the Philadelphia 76ers received Ilyasova and a 2020 first round pick (1-20 protected). He is in his ninth NBA season, and has been sharing the starting role with rookie Dario Saric. The move was originally though to be somewhat of a salary dump and draft pick move, but he has assumed the role of second leading scorer on the team. He has done so though consistent performance. His contract is worth $8,400,000 this year.
II Point Guard Sergio Rodriguez. Rodriguez was signed to a one-year “show me” contract from Euroleague’s Real Madrid. While he had an NBA stint before (2006-2010 mainly with Portland Trailblazers), the team brought Rodriguez to serve as an insurance policy. Fortunate for the team that they did, as the injuries to both Jerryd Bayless and Ben Simmons has forced Rodriguez to start for the team. For now, he is seventh in the NBA in assists, which is far better than expected. His contract is worth $8,000,000 this year.
III Center/Power Forward Nerlens Noel Noel is emerging from his rookie contract and facing a future of uncertainty. In his contract year, he fell to injury at a time when his team has been struggling with minutes and load restrictions with the team’s other centers. In fact, Noel himself rehabbed his entire first season, but established himself as a strong defensive centerpiece to any NBA lineup. While he will struggle to find a 30 minute per game role with the 76ers this season, he should find sufficient opportunity to woo suitors into a very competitive bid for his services next season. His contract is worth $4,384,490 this year.