Potential lead guard candidates
Outside Butler, the Sixers don’t have a viable option at backup point guard. If Butler signs elsewhere, it’s a barren spot on the roster. The Sixers will need to address the playmaking void in some form.
Patrick Beverley
Current status: Signed to Los Angeles Clippers
Unless the Sixers strike out on Butler or Harris, Beverley costs too much. He will command $15 million+ on the open market for his defensive toughness, three-point shooting and auxiliary playmaking. He’s a near-perfect fit on paper, though.
Trey Burke
Current status: Unsigned
Burke is a small but dynamic scorer at the lead guard spot, offering some much-needed pull-up shooting in the second unit. He performed well last season and has earned extended looks from potential suitors.
Alex Caruso
Current status: Unsigned
A restricted free agent after performing well on a two-way contract in Los Angeles, the Sixers would need to outbid the Lakers. He’s an under-the-radar option, but someone who checks several boxes as a reserve guard.
Quinn Cook
Current status: Unsigned
Another restricted free agent, Cook is someone who will draw serious looks from multiple teams. He has performed well in the Warriors’ second unit and provides dynamic shooting and a legitimate off-ball threat, something the Sixers would value. He might get more pricey than he’s worth.
Seth Curry
Current status: Signed to Dallas Mavericks
A sweet-shooting 6-foot-2 guard, Curry should deeply intrigue the Sixers. He lacks size, but can gun around screens, hit shots on the move and add value as a reserve ball handler. He’s a pretty decent defender at his position as well. There’s a lot to like for a chunk of the mid-level exception.
Cory Joseph
Current status: Signed to Sacramento Kings
Someone who could command a significant offer on the open market, Joseph makes sense on paper. He’s a strong point-of-attack defender who can hit threes at a respectable clip and facilitate. There aren’t too many better options in the middle free agent tier.
Jeremy Lin
Current status: Unsigned
Lin played sparsely during the Raptors’ title run but still provides shooting, playmaking and positional size at the point guard spot. He’s no longer the ‘Linsanity’ fans were introduced to years ago, but he’s a solid backup guard for contending teams.
Delon Wright
Current status: Unsigned
The Grizzlies might (and should) make a strong push to retain Wright, which could put the Sixers in a difficult spot. He’s a versatile 6-foot-5 guard, though, who fits Philadelphia’s desire for length and perimeter defense. He also came into his own offensively last season.
Ish Smith
Current status: Signed to Washington Wizards
A former fan favorite in Philadelphia, Smith would add an electric scorer to the second unit. That’s something the Sixers lack, but his limited size and poor shooting are turn-offs for a Sixers team that prioritizes both.
Austin Rivers
Current status: Signed to Houston Rockets
Someone the Sixers should have pursued last season, Rivers is a skilled comboguard who fits Philadelphia’s needs quite well. He can hit spot-up shots, handle in a secondary capacity and defends the perimeter at a high level.