Philadelphia 76ers 2019 NBA free agency tracker

Potential big men candidates

If it weren’t for rostering four unplayable centers, the Sixers might have won an NBA title. There are obviously factors beyond poor roster construction, but Philadelphia needs someone who can hold down the fort when Embiid sits.

Robin Lopez

Current status: Signed to Milwaukee Bucks

The Bulls pointlessly held on to Lopez despite no competitive aspirations last season. Now he hits the open market as a prime buy-low candidate for the Sixers. He’s a stout post defender and skilled interior scorer. His basketball I.Q. and toughness make up for underwhelming athleticism.

Maxi Kleber

Current status: Signed to Dallas Mavericks

Flying under the radar in Dallas, Kleber might get a expensive. The Sixers should have enough to make a competitive offer, although I’m hesitant to advice spending big on a center. Kleber can switch screens and stretch the floor — two valuable traits in a modern NBA big.

Ed Davis

Current status: Signed to Utah Jazz

Despite a rocky postseason, Davis has value as a tough rebounder and interior defender. He plays hard, makes his presence felt and is someone the Sixers can rely on when it comes to stabilizing the defense in Embiid’s absence.

Jordan Bell

Current status: Signed to Minnesota Timberwolves

The Sixers would need to outbid Golden State, as Bell is restricted. He also struggled to provide value during the Warriors’ Finals meltdown and doesn’t feel quite ready for significant minutes year-round. Philadelphia might want to let a younger team take on the project.

Khem Birch

Current status: Unsigned

Birch is restricted and will have other suitors. Orlando plans to re-sign Nikola Vucevic and has Mohamed Bamba waiting in the wings, though, so retaining Birch might not be the most logical investment. The Sixers can steal him with the right offer.

Luke Kornet

Current status: Unsigned

A strong season in New York has left Kornet with plenty of intrigue. The former Vanderbilt prospect stood out for his shooting touch at 7-foot-1, spacing the floor at a high level — something the Sixers value.

Frank Kaminsky

Current status: Signed to Phoenix Suns

Again, the Sixers value stretch bigs. Just look at the rosters over the past couple seasons. Kaminsky is an older player reaching the end of his rookie contract and has proven himself as a smart, tough floor-spacer at the five spot.

Kevon Looney

Current status: Signed to Golden State Warriors

Restricted, potentially expensive and someone Golden State wants to re-sign, Looney is more pipe dream than practical for the Sixers. Spending the full mid-level exception on a center is also a risky proposition, but Looney’s defensive versatility and rim-running are strong attributes.

Dewayne Dedmon

Current status: Signed to Sacramento Kings

Someone Philadelphia fans have talked about for a while, Dedmon might have interest in joining a contender after spending prime seasons in Atlanta’s rebuild. He’s a switchable center who can hit threes, signaling clear value.

JaMychal Green

Current status: Unsigned

Splitting the season between Memphis and Los Angeles, Green finished the campaign strong for the Clippers. He has utility at both frontcourt spots, affording him the versatility to play next to and behind Embiid.

Nikola Mirotic

Current status: Signed to Barcelona

Unless the Sixers clear cap space due to unfortunate circumstances or Mirotic’s value bottoms out, he might get too expensive. The Bucks are expected to focus on other pieces, though, giving teams a chance to pounce on Mirotic’s sweet-shooting production.

Mike Muscala

Current status: Signed to Oklahoma City Thunder

For all the slack Muscala took, he’s a serviceable shooter and near-average defender who wasn’t maximized as the Sixers’ most important bench piece. His spot-up shooting tends to be more efficient than his Philadelphia tenure indicated, to boot.

Thaddeus Young

Current status: Signed to Chicago Bulls

Another potential cap space option, Young is coming off a strong two-way season in Indiana. He’s a strong, versatile defender who can switch all five positions. He’s not a great shooter, but can occasionally stretch the defense and operate as an effective face-up threat.

Marcus Morris

Current status: Unsigned

A blistering start to the season may have been enough to sustain Morris’ overall appeal this summer. Teams will covet his shooting, toughness and defensive versatility. He’s probably out of Philadelphia’s desired price range.

Markieff Morris

Current status: Unsigned

The more affordable Morris twin and still a Philadelphia native, Morris makes sense as a tough-nosed defensive four who can hit open 3s on the perimeter. His injury concerns are real, but the talent might be worth betting on at the right price.

Jared Dudley

Current status: Unsigned

Content gold. Dudley not only sparked the Sixers’ first-round victory, but has legitimate NBA value. He’s a smart defender who uses his strength well. He can also shoot and add value as an auxiliary piece on offense.

Kyle O’Quinn

Current status: Signed to Philadelphia 76ers

O’Quinn checks a lot of boxes for a reserve center. He’s an efficient rim-runner, a smart defender and an underrated athlete. While not super mobile, he’s light on his feet and has underrated bounce to meet opponents at the rim. He’s even a decent mid-range shooter to top things off.

• The Sixers will sign O’Quinn to a one-year, veteran minimum contract, reinforcing a strong frontcourt rotation behind Joel Embiid and Al Horford.

We will continue to add more and update this tracker throughout free agency. Make sure to bookmark it.