The Sixer Sense
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Should the Sixers pick up Richaun Holmes’ option?

By Christopher Kline

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 7: Richaun Holmes #22 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates after scoring against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half at Wells Fargo Center on December 7, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 7: Richaun Holmes #22 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates after scoring against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half at Wells Fargo Center on December 7, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Richaun Holmes’ future with the Philadelphia 76ers is becoming increasingly unclear.

The Philadelphia 76ers are entering what is arguably the most important offseason in franchise history. They’ll have a chance to attract the likes of LeBron James and Paul George, both of whom would make them championship contenders. Kawhi Leonard is potentially on the table as well.

Before the Sixers make a splash in free agency, though, they’ll have to manage the supporting cast and decide who is — and isn’t — staying on the roster next season. J.J. Redick, Marco Belinelli, Ersan Ilyasova and Amir Johnson are all free agents. Richaun Holmes has a team option.

In most cases, picking up the team option on a young, capable league-minimum player is a no-brainer. Holmes has shown flashes of value in the NBA and he’s only 24. Why would the Sixers let him walk?

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That’s where those difficult roster decisions come into play. The Sixers have six draft picks, including two first rounders. They’ll also be looking to retain at least some of their free agents alongside a potential big-name signee. Add in Jonah Bolden’s desire to come over, and their available roster spots are dwindling.

Holmes’ future with the Sixers is tough to gauge. Brett Brown doesn’t trust him on the defensive end and Bolden, assuming he does come over, is probably a better player. If Ilyasova returns on a low-end contract, there won’t be much available playing time for Holmes, as was the case last season.

Potential roster spots next season:

PG — Ben Simmons, Markelle Fultz, T.J. McConnell, Jerryd Bayless

SG — Furkan Korkmaz, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot

SF — Robert Covington, Justin Anderson

PF — Dario Saric

C — Joel Embiid

OTHER LIKELY/POSSIBLE COMMITMENTS: 10th overall pick, 26th overall pick, Jonah Bolden

DEPARTING FREE AGENTS: J.J. Redick, Ersan Ilyasova, Marco Belinelli, Amir Johnson

POTENTIAL FREE AGENCY/TRADE TARGETS: LeBron James, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Wayne Ellington, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Avery Bradley, etc.

To put it simply: the roster will fill up fast.

If Holmes won’t get minutes and the Sixers don’t have him in their long-term plans, freeing up a roster spot might be the ideal option. There are some intriguing free agents and late-first round prospects that probably give the Sixers more immediate and long-term value than Holmes.

The Sixers’ goals and roster needs have shifted drastically over the past few seasons. Rather than stockpiling young talent and focusing on development, they’re trying to win games. Keeping their roster competitive for multiple seasons is still a priority, but Holmes’ youth doesn’t change the fact that he won’t find much playing time without drastic improvements.

Maybe the Sixers pick up Holmes’ option and try to use him as sweetener in a trade package. He’s still an athletic rim-runner who can occasionally hit spot-up threes. His slim frame and lack of defensive awareness are limiting factors, but the effort and desire to make an impact is most definitely there.

Next: How to trade for Kawhi and maintain cap space

Regardless of how the Sixers maneuver around Holmes’ contract, though, it seems possible, if not likely, that Holmes will be wearing a different uniform at the start of the 2018-19 season. The Sixers have until June 29 to exercise their team option.