What is the buyout market looking like for Philadelphia?
The Sixers’ bench is one of the worst among NBA contenders. Mike Muscala, Landry Shamet, T.J. McConnell and Furkan Korkmaz are all defensive liabilities. Jonah Bolden and Shake Milton, when they are on the floor, aren’t experienced enough to make consistent contributions.
That means Elton Brand and company must address the roster before the postseason arrives. The trade market should get some love, but the Sixers need to focus their efforts on potential buyout candidates. It served them well last season.
With Patrick McCaw signing in Toronto, Chandler Parsons now becomes the best imminent option available. It’s unclear how long Parsons will be stuck in contract limbo with Memphis, but he’s someone the Sixers should pursue as soon as possible.
Another potential option is Jeremy Lin, who’s contract size might prevent a trade before the deadline. The Hawks are building around youth and Lin’s importance is diminished with Trae Young‘s presence.
In Philadelphia, Lin could assume backup point guard and secondary ball-handling duties in different lineups. He can fit with or without Ben Simmons and Jimmy Butler while providing a sizable upgrade over McConnell and Korkmaz.
Dewayne Dedmon is good enough to get traded, but the Hawks might cut ties with him at some point. If he’s available, the Sixers — even without a pressing need for reserve centers — should hotly pursue him.
Watch other rebuilding teams — Chicago, Cleveland, New York, etc. — for more potential candidates as the season progresses.