One major lesson in life is that it is not what you know, it is who you know -- something the Philadelphia 76ers will be praying is the case as they dip into free agency. With Dean Wade reportedly attracting several suitors this offseason -- including the Sixers -- executive Mike Gansey's relationship with the former Cavaliers forward, which included Gansey identifying Wade as a two-way player in Cleveland, could play a key role in deciding his future.
Dean Wade would bring positive depth to the 76ers' roster
During his introductory press conference, Mike Gansey alluded to Philadelphia's lack of roster depth being a significant problem in recent seasons. This issue will be difficult to address due to the franchise's limited financial flexibility this offseason -- meaning the 76ers must move quickly to snap up players of Dean Wade's caliber in free agency.
According to HoopsHype's senior NBA insider, Michael Scotto, Wade is attracting a lot of attention during this free-agent window, with the 76ers among the teams interested. Money talks, and it is hard to believe that Philadelphia will be willing to offer the former Cleveland swingman a huge wage due to their inflated salary cap, which is why Mike Gansey has to utilize his contacts in the game.
Despite his numbers not representing star value, what Wade brings to a team fits the mould of the player the 76ers are desperate to land. The 29-year-old would immediately provide Philadelphia with a defensive presence in its secondary unit. Not only that, but Wade is a skilled floor spacer who can effectively drain shots when called upon to do so.
Over 58 games for the Cavaliers last season, Wade averaged 5.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, while shooting 43.9 percent from the floor on 4.2 shots per game.
Gansey's pull could be critical in signing Wade
Nobody knows what goes on behind closed doors in the NBA, but there is little to suggest that Mike Gansey is an executive who rattles the cages of his employees. The Philadelphia 76ers will be hopeful that this is the reality and that Gansey's relationship with Wade could play a major role in his final decision on his next destination.
While the second apron continues to prevent franchises from burning through limitless cash, finances are going to continue to be an issue for Philadelphia. Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George are hugely benefiting from Daryl Morey's lack of foresight throughout his tenure as the 76ers' general manager; however, the Sixers have yet to find a formula that balances these superstar wages alongside adequate squad depth.
Gansey knew this reality when he walked into this job, and now he must get creative to land players. Philadelphia can utilize the $15 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception they have at its disposal as a bargaining chip if needed, but the Sixers cannot afford to use this option on just any player.
Before the Philadelphia 76ers go overboard with the limited options they wield, Mike Gansey must lean on his personal relationship with Dean Wade to get his new employers a significant discount on wages. This squad is desperate for roster depth, and the versatile forward fits the profile that the front office will be scouring the market for.
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