Sixers: 3 dream free agent targets
NBA free agency is right around the corner, and the Sixers have some big holes to fill. With Ben Simmons’ departure imminent, and a clear need to improve the bench, it’s up to Daryl Morey and Elton Brand to deliver a real title contender for the 2021-22 season.
Unfortunately, the Sixers are not swimming in cap space. Morey has the $5.9 million taxpayer’s mid-level exception at this disposal, and that’s about it. Beyond that, Philadelphia can only offer minimum contracts.
While the resources are limited, the Sixers do have the advantage of an attractive core, a fairly big market, and a reasonable chance to compete. Vets want to compete, and the Sixers should have a decent pool of vets to choose from when the Aug. 2 moratorium lifts.
Here are some dream free agent targets for the Sixers.
Sixers dream free agent targets: Goran Dragic
If the Heat decide to waive Goran Dragic‘s $19.4 million team option to open up cap space, then the 35-year-old will certainly hope to join a contender. Dragic will have no shortage of suitors — some of whom may offer more than $5.9 million — but given his age and the general lack of cap space when it comes to bonafide championship contenders, the Sixers may have a real shot.
Philadelphia doesn’t need guards like it once did. There’s plenty of depth in the backcourt, even if Ben Simmons gets traded (that said, Simmons will probably get traded for a guard). Tyrese Maxey earned his stripes in the postseason, while George Hill will stick around so long as Morey doesn’t involve him in a trade. Seth Curry is a real starter, and the odds favor a Danny Green return.
Even so, there’s no doubt Dragic would find a home in the second unit. He took a step back last season, which is only natural given his age, but the Slovenian can still play. He averaged 13.4 points and 4.4 assists on .432/.373/.828 shooting splits as Miami’s sixth man.
Lost step and all, Dragic can still fill it up from the perimeter and provide a steady hand orchestrating the offense. At 6-foot-3, he’s skilled enough to share the court with Maxey or Hill, and he’s a crafty pick-and-roll playmaker — a skill set the Sixers have too often lacked during the Embiid era.
If he’s on the market for $5.9 million or less, the Sixers should eagerly pursue. He would give the second unit a much-needed punch.