Sixers: 3 free agents still available after the start of 2022 offseason

Free agents still available: Elfrid Payton

Let’s not forgot Elfrid Payton, who, in an alternate universe could have started his career with the Sixers. During the 2014 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers were the original team that drafted Payton. They traded him to the Orlando Magic for the rights for Dario Saric and the 76ers own 2018 that was traded away in the Andrew Bynum deal.

Payton has been a bit of a journeyman since his Orlando days, However, it was just two seasons removed from being the starting point guard for a New York Knicks team who made the postseason. He has skills, but he was buried on a loaded bench of the Phoenix Suns this past season.

Let’s be clear, unlike the other guards on the 76ers bench, Payton isn’t a score-first point guard. He’s a career 28.7 percent 3-point shooter, so not the floor spacer that Philly typically looks for, however, he’s a natural playmaker and defender.

Outside of James Harden and maybe Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers’ don’t have a point guard who can run the offense. Payton can be that guard who can if both players are unavailable. He’s not an ideal fit, but Payton can sure up the playmaking depth on the roster moving forward.

The Sixers have viable options on the free agent market moving forward if they want to continue to build out the depth entering the training camp.