The Philadelphia 76ers have undoubtedly had a less than stellar offseason. From the James Harden saga remaining unresolved to the front office making some head-scratching decisions of its own, it’s probably safe to say that the team didn’t get better heading into the upcoming season, at least on paper.
Things, however, could drastically change for the 76ers next year. Projected to be armed with approximately $67 million in cap space in 2024, the front office will have a massive financial conduit that can help the team net some marquee acquisitions. A bulk of that number could be decimated by Tyrese Maxey’s eventual extension, but that would still leave Philly with gargantuan spending power in the following offseason.
Bank on the Philadelphia 76ers to be a prime landing spot in the 2024 NBA Free Agency
Fortunately for the Sixers, the colossal leeway they will get to enjoy next year will coincide with a free agency class that’s currently shaping up to be much better than the last couple of years’. From established veteran stars to up-and-comers, the front office will not have any shortage of potential targets that could help get Philadelphia out of their postseason quandaries.
In addition, only three teams will have more cap space than the 76ers and all of those clubs are not expected to break the bank for a star acquisition but rather continue building their roster from the ground up. With all those taken into account, here are four star players that could call Philadelphia home in 2024.
The 76ers could lock in on OG Anunoby as a Tobias Harris replacement
Branding OG Anunoby with the star label may be too generous, but to be frank, he’s the most realistic player that Philadelphia can acquire on this list all things considered.
With Anunoby having found himself at the trading block for quite some time now, him leaving Toronto next year is probably already a foregone conclusion. The Raptors need a shake-up to their core, and their go-to defensive expert similarly needs a change of scenery. Heck, they are likely already angling for his exit.
Tobias Harris is already a lock to leave the 76ers next season, giving the team not only with massive cap relief, but also a big opening in the forward spot that Anunoby can quickly clinch for himself. While miscast as a prominent offensive option, he still managed to shoot an above-average rate from the field and beyond the three-point line in the last three years.
But most importantly, Anunoby can arm Philly with a Swiss Army knife-type of defender who can cover a lot of ground on the less glamorous end of the floor without the conventionally attendant drop-off on offense, a la PJ Tucker (who could also be on his way out). If the 76ers do manage to sign Anunoby next year, the 2024 offseason should already be tabbed as a success.
Paul George would be the dream forward for the 76ers
From here on out, Philly’s front office will have to be ultra-creative in managing its finances to make the money work, especially in light of the eye-opening salary jumps in the association in recent years.
Nevertheless, one player that would be well worth the hassle would be Paul George. With the LA Clippers yet to find meaningful success since a drastic makeover in the summer of 2019 due to injuries, their brass may soon warm up to the idea of moving on from the multiple-time All-Star.
If so, the Sixers should jump on the opportunity to be George’s fourth team. While he hasn’t had a healthy season since his last year with Oklahoma City four seasons ago, the championship-desperate 76ers will be a perfect for him. A bona fide two-way force with a much-improved all-around game and a three-point stroke that ages well, PG-13 will instantly raise the franchise’s floor and ceiling that will keep them relevant in the title discussion.
Granted, the price will be uber steep and the risk associated with his availability — or lack thereof — is tremendous, but maximizing the team’s title window with Embiid in his MVP form should be No. 1 priority for the franchise. Peg this as a high risk, high reward move that could prove to be a stroke of genius in the end.
The 76ers could pursue Pascal Siakam to form a terrifying frontcourt with Joel Embiid
Another All-Star who could be slated for an exit from his current club next year is another Raptor, Pascal Siakam. While he has managed to evade a trade so far (partly due to belief that he plans on testing free agency regardless of which team trades for him), he will undoubtedly enter the 2024 free agency as one of the most appealing options for teams who can afford him, like Philadelphia.
Siakam has blossomed into one of the league’s premiere all-around stars. After starting off as an explosive athlete who was a threat in the open floor, the 29-year-old has managed to incorporate steady shot creation, rangy defense, playmaking, and some perimeter shooting to his game.
Last season, he was one of only four players (alongside Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Doncic) to log at least 24 points, seven rebounds, and five assists per contest. Despite the Raptors’ mediocrity in the last few years, Siakam has continued his massive jump into a legitimate franchise player.
Should the 76ers acquire him in free agency, Joel Embiid and him will easily compose the league’s most potent frontcourt duo. Between the former’s dominance inside and the latter’s ability to be factor everywhere on the court on both ends, Philly will have a rock solid tandem that could bring them even closer to a title.
Kawhi Leonard would be the pipe dream target for the 76ers
As the saying goes, yesterday’s enemy could be today’s friend (or in this case, next year).
Kawhi Leonard is a bit of a taboo name in Philly following his unforgettable Game 7 clincher in 2019 that broke the hearts of every 76ers fan in the globe. That being said, he remains one of the most dominant forces in the league, and is an absolute treat to watch, especially in the postseason.
His health is a gargantuan question mark due to his degenerative condition since his San Antonio days and a recent ACL injury two years ago, but an opportunity for the 76ers to snag him could be on the way as the Clippers, like with George, could soon try to tear the house down and force a rebuild considering their lack of success in the playoffs, mainly due to injuries
Easily the best player on this list, Leonard is a savant on both ends of the floor. When healthy, his production is elite, scoring with utmost efficiency and anchoring the defense. He is also a proven playoff performer, already having a couple of Finals MVP plums to his name. His deteriorating health can be a rightful turn-off, but again, for a franchise desperate to snap a title drought, the 76ers cannot afford to nitpick. The best talent on next season’s board is Leonard, and they should set their sights on him as their ultimate target.
Oh, the irony of life.