Why the Philadelphia 76ers Should Waive Gerald Henderson

As the offseason nears, the Philadelphia 76ers have a huge decision to make on Gerald Henderson: Should they waive him or hold onto him for next year?

The Philadelphia 76ers have lots of questions to consider going into free agency. One such issue that comes to mind is Gerald Henderson‘s future with the team. Does he still have a place with the Sixers? Has he served his purpose? Should both parties agree to part ways?

Now, most people wouldn’t think that this is that pressing of an issue. If anything, most figured that Henderson would stay with the team, at least until the end of his contract. However, it is important to not a key stipulation in his deal.

More from The Sixer Sense

Essentially, if the Philadelphia 76ers choose to waive Gerald Henderson before June 30th, the team would only owe him $1 million. Henderson’s deal is not guaranteed for the 2017-2017 NBA season, so this stipulation could come into play as a result. In addition, the Philadelphia 76ers owe Henderson a total of $9 million for next year.

Fiscally, such a move would make sense. At the very least, it saves the Sixers $8 million towards their salary cap. While they don’t necessarily need to waive Henderson, it would open up the door to a number of possibilities.

Free Agent Impact

Now, people tend to forget how valuable a roster spot could be for a young, developing team. While most would assume that having veterans on the team should be the be-all end-all, having an additional roster space could prove vital.

Philadelphia 76ers /

Philadelphia 76ers

For instance, if the Philadelphia 76ers choose to waive Gerald Henderson, it only makes their free agent strategy that much easier. As previously mentioned, waiving Henderson would save the Sixers $8 million. With that extra money, they could target potential free agent prospects more aggressively.

One small move could like this could seriously change the dynamic going into free agency. With that addition roster spot, coupled with additional salary, the Sixers could target big name free agents at the wing. As most fans know, the Sixers do not have prominent players on the wing. While guys Gerald Henderson and Nik Stauskas did a serviceable job, it doesn’t seem like they’ll have starting roles with the team next season.

With that said, maybe the Sixers can target some of the big name players who will be available this summer. Guys like J.J. Redick and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope immediately come to mind, here. With that additional cap space, general manager Bryan Colangelo could target players of that ilk.

NBA Draft/ Youth Impact

Now, opening up a roster spot opens up draft possibilities. Ideally, waiving Gerald Henderson would give the Philadelphia 76ers some options for a potential replacement. For starters, the move could open the door for their draft strategy.

Lightening the roster would make it easier for the Sixers to upgrade at the two. While Henderson gets the job done, to an extent, the Sixers don’t see him as a long-term solution. If anything, they want to get much, much younger there.

Must Read: Should the Philadelphia 76ers Worry About Lonzo Ball’s Dad?

There are two ways they can go about doing this. First, they can draft a young wing player to fill the void. Obviously, this move would be predicated on Ben Simmons‘ role with the team as the point guard. An off-the-ball guard would fill the need, here. Guys like Malik Monk, Josh Jackson, or Jayson Tatum immediately come to mind.

Second, the Philadelphia 76ers could waive Gerald Henderson in favor of a younger player currently on the roster. Guys like Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot and Furkan Korkmaz (currently playing for Anadolu Efes in Turkey) fit the bill. While TLC is going into his sophomore year, he showed signs of fulfilling the “3 and D” potential that many saw in him. Korkmaz still needs time to develop, so he does not seem as likely to come over.

Next: NBA Draft: Dennis Smith Jr.’s Fit With the Philadelphia 76ers

Regardless, waiving Gerald Henderson would at least give the Sixers some flexibility. Similar to Luc Mbah a Moute and Elton Brand, Hendo served the purpose of the “helpful veteran”. By moving on from him, the Philadelphia 76ers can look to build upon the foundations left behind by him. In addition, the front office could look to make serious upgrades a fairly weak position on the team. Hopefully, the Sixers and Gerald Henderson can part ways and better their careers going forward.