3 Philadelphia 76ers who definitely won't be back next season

3 Philadelphia 76ers who definitely won’t be back next season

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 07: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates with fans after defeating the Boston Celtics in overtime of game four of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center on May 07, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

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2. Shake Milton

Shake Milton appeared to price himself out of Philadelphia with a strong early-season run during the period where both James Harden and Tyrese Maxey were injured. He played quite well once those guys returned, albeit in a significantly reduced capacity. By the time the playoffs arrived, however, Milton was glued to the bench.

Whether he should have played or not, one has to imagine a team will swing on Milton’s unique combination of size, shot-making, and positional versatility in free agency. The Sixers simply don’t have a lot of money to spend and clearly Milton wasn’t considered an important piece of the rotation down the stretch.

Harden’s future is uncertain, but the Sixers still have a lot of backcourt minutes committed to Tyrese Maxey and De’Anthony Melton regardless. Milton’s ability to hit tough shots has value, but he’s not the ideal Sixers guard on paper: he’s a low-volume 3-point shooter who can fade into the shadows off the ball

He’d probably get better opportunities elsewhere; perhaps a chance to earn an even bigger next contract. Shake has given a lot to Philly over the course of his career, but a change of scenery feels inevitable.