Philadelphia 76ers: 5 Players They Should Offer the Max To

The Philadelphia 76ers can choose to go in a lot of different directions, here’s five players that could help take the 76ers to the next level.

This upcoming offseason, the Philadelphia 76ers are to have a projected maximum cap space of $78,522,056 (RealGM). The 76ers have a lot of power. Players must surely be intrigued with playing with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, not to mentioned one, even maybe two, top 10 draft picks added to the mix.

Jrue Holiday

A return to the Philadelphia 76ers is what all 76ers fans want for Jrue Holiday. Being the first big player moved when Sam Hinkie can to helm, it is only fitting that Holiday will be here to see it out.

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But with DeMarcus Cousins teaming up with the Pelicans, they could be on the verge of something great, and it’s hard seeing Holiday leaving that behind. That said, the Pelicans may want to pursue players with playoff experience, making Holiday expendable.

Holiday’s improved 3-point shooting (37 percent) would be perfect next to Ben Simmons. The former 76er’s athleticism can sometimes go unnoticed, his play style fits the run-and-gun, fast paced style of the 76ers. On top of his improved shooting, Holiday would add a reliable scorer in the backcourt, something the Sixers have been lacking all season.

Jeff Teague

Jeff Teague has had a somewhat comeback season this year after being traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the Larry Bird-led Indiana Pacers. Prior to this ‘blockbuster’ trade, there were strong rumors going around that Teague would be traded to the 76ers one way or another; perhaps he’ll find his way to us no matter what.

Teague is currently shooting just shy of 35 percent from three on the year, put him next to Simmons, Embiid and maybe a Malik Monk, Teague will get open looks left, right and center. The Indianapolis native is hard to defend when darting around screens, defender will struggle to keep up with him.

Also, the former All-Star will even help create space for Embiid and Simmons to score downlow. We know Embiid can of course hit the three, but his bread and butter in in the post, twisting and turning like HoF center, Hakeem Olajuwon. Still, we are yet to see Simmons play an NBA game, but we do have a small sample of what he can do at the Summer League. Simmons rarely shot from 15 feet and out, but, like Embiid, Simmons is a very gifted inside scorer.

Teague could provide more veteran leadership, as well as some much needed playoff experience. This kind of play could help the 76ers tremendously.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

There were strong rumors that Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was going to get traded this past deadline, and that the 76ers were a team that was reportedly interested. If that rumor was true, then I can see the Sixers pushing hard to get KCP this summer, they may even go as far as offering him a max contract.

The former University of Georgia guard has improved drastically over the last few season. He struggled as a rookie, but has since come into his own, first evolving as a solid perimeter defender, and now a reliable 3-point shooter (37.7 percent). KCP could provide some valuable minutes, paired next to Robert Covington, the Sixers will have a very tough wing group to break down.

Another plus for KCP is his durability, so far he has played 298 out of 311 games (as of 10 March). Durability is something the 76ers have found hard to come by for a very long time. This squeaky clean health record will definitely earn KCP a couple extra million as every team in the league loves a do-it-all, healthy, young wing.

Due to the Pistons being in an awkward financial situation, if the Sixers were to offer a max contract to KCP, the Pistons may be forced into not matching it and letting him go. The re-signings of Tobias Harris (4yrs/$64 million) and Reggie Jackson (5yrs/$80 million) have crippled them financially. We saw the Pistons desperately trying to trade Jackson at the trade deadline, him or Harris have have to go in order to keep KCP.

J.J. Reddick

Signing J.J. Reddick is somewhat unrealistic because why would he leave a contender (if you can call the Clippers that) for a rebuilding team? Turning 33 this summer, Reddick will surely begin chasing that much wanted ring, similarly to Kyle Korver, thus making the 76ers a questionable choice for Reddick, but we can dream right?

Anyways, Reddick has solidified himself as one of the league’s best 3-point shooters, eclipsing 40 percent five times during his 11-year career. Placing one of the league’s best perimeter shooters next to Ben Simmons is quite scary. The potential is frightening, and the improvement for the Sixers would be colossal.

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However, as I previously stated, Reddick will most likely stay with the Clippers or head to a legit contender. It is unlikely he will join the Sixers this summer, but it’s nice to think about it.

Otto Porter

One of the top contenders for NBA’s Most Improved Player, Otto Porter has played a massive role in the incredible rise of the Washington Wizards. The former Georgetown forward is averaging 2.4 more points per game, not much more, but it’s his efficiency that is catching the eyes of NBA fans and front offices.

A season ago, Porter was averaging 47 percent from the field and a measly 36 percent from three, this season Porter has increased both categories to 52 percent from the field and a league leading 45 percent from downtown. In addition, Porter ranks number 5 in effective field goal percentage with an impressive 62 percent.

This rise is uncanny, this certainly was not expected. Porter may have walked into a max contract this summer. Many rebuilding teams like the 76ers, Nets and Suns should and will all pursue Porter this summer, but the Wizards will do their best to keep him around.

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Despite that, the Wizards spent $64 million over four years for Ian Mahinmi, who looks like a flop so far. They also extended Bradley Beal to a five year, $127 million contract. The Wizards may find themselves in a similar situation to the Pistons, salary cap-wise.

5 Players Sixers Should Offer Max To

By Owen Nelson | Mar 12, 2017