5 Reasons Philadelphia 76ers Deal Expiring Contracts Before Trade Deadline

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Dec 8, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) celebrates with guard Sergio Rodriguez (14) during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. The 76ers defeated the Pelicans 99-88. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Reason I: The Expendables

Nobody thought to give starts to T.J. McConnell. But the season long loss of Jerryd Bayless paired with injuries to Ben Simmons and Sergio Rodriguez forced the issue. And T.J. McConnell’s play has ensured the team never looked back. As a result, the insurance of having Sergio Rodriguez on the team no longer seems… required.

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Similarly, the team has been playing very well since trading Jerami Grant to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Ersan Ilyasova. But Ilyasova is only under contract for this season. Meanwhile, the team has been grooming Dario Saric for the role. While he is still improving as a rookie, Saric shows flashes of utter brilliance. He has established a trademark for tough physical play, as well as incredible passing skills for the team. Ultimately, he will need starts to raise the bar.

Give Holmes a Home

Finally, the belief that the 76ers can retain Nerlens Noel may not come to pass. But is that a bad thing? Not if you factor in the developing skills of second year player Richaun Holmes. Right now, Richaun Holmes needs regular playing time. Without an injury or precautionary resting of Joel Embiid, Holmes is simply not getting playing time.

The team had options to ensure each player would be locked in for next season. Since the team had not done so, the team has left the door open to not retaining any of the three.