The Sixers have not been very active this 2021 offseason. Their biggest move so far has been the signing of Andre Drummond, which is getting mixed reactions from the 76ers fanbase. The fans of the 76ers have seen the past few offseasons be very active in making new additions. While much of the fanbase has been split on the Ben Simmons trade rumors, they have been calling for the front office to help upgrade this roster, while teams across the East are putting themselves in a position to compete.
Philadelphia: don’t panic if the Sixers don’t spend big in this year’s free agency. If the 76ers can upgrade via trade and slowly get rid of some of their cap hit, it may set them up for a much more impactful 2022 free agency.
The Sixers’ quiet 2021 free agency could be a precursor for big things yet to come.
The 2022 free agent class is very top-heavy, but there are major players up for signing that the 76ers may be able to convince to come to Philadelphia. Though, if they want to go after a big name, they would have to move one of the big three to make it happen. They will also have the option to sign mid-level players to help complete their roster.
The big headliners of the 2022 class are the Brooklyn Nets’ big three in Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and James Harden. Will all three stay? Possibly, but a guy like James Harden may look to get “THE HOUSE” before the end of his career elsewhere. Could that be Philadelphia? A reunion with Daryl Morey? With the rest of the big three in Durant and Irving, Sixer fans can dream, but it is very, very unlikely.
Some other big names available are John Wall, Kemba Walker, Bradley Beal and Russel Westbrook. All four of these players have player options, but if they want to get out of their current situations, they may look elsewhere. Beal has always been in rumors involving the 76ers and this may be the opportunity for Philadelphia to land Beal without giving up Simmons and multiple draft picks.
Some other names hitting the market:
- Julius Randle
- Gary Harris
- Zach LaVine
- Marvin Bagley III
- Robert Covington
- Terry Rozier
About 4/6 of the players listed have been in 76ers trade rumors in the past and may be great fits for a team looking to win a championship now. There are many other role players in this free agent class that will be contributors for big city teams when they hit the market. The restricted free agent market is also huge with young big name players. It will be an offseason that could shift the momentum of the league.