Philadelphia 76ers fans probably expected the team to be on the receiving end of multiple not-so-ideal outcomes before free agency even begins. The deadline was just right around the corner for a handful of their players to exercise their options, and the strong belief was that they will be returning to the team next season, much to the detriment of the team’s financial footing.
Lo and behold, the unexpected kicked in.
In one of the more unforeseen developments before free agency officially begins, Eric Gordon has reportedly declined his $3.4 million player option to return to the 76ers next season. He is now slated to enter the open market and is a strong candidate to leave the team for greener pastures this offseason.
The 76ers most definitely expected him to make a straightforward move and simply accept his player option, especially with his market expected to be weak due to his lack of stability last season, appearing in only a few games due to injury and not really flashing much compelling enough to get him paid. Without a doubt, this is a very positive development for Philadelphia.
76ers notch a huge win before free agency begins thanks to Eric Gordon
As everyone knows, the 76ers are operating under limited financial constraints this offseason, which drastically affects their strategy in free agency. As things currently stand, the team is expected to lose some very important names on the roster, forcing the front office to either put the team in an unenviable position money-wise or seek less costly alternatives in the market.
For now, the team is veering towards the latter, and no one can really blame them given the ghastly ramifications of being a second-apron team. Thus, while Gordon declining his player option does not seem like a huge push for the 76ers’ desire to free up cap space given his menial salary, this at least gives them some more breathing room to perhaps make some addition/s on the margins.
Phasing out Gordon also does another thing — free up the logjam in the backcourt. Gordon was never going to have a considerable role for the 76ers next season, and opening a roster spot should give them the sufficient leeway to sign a player who fits the team better.
Free agency is set to begin in just a little while, and this undoubtedly counts as a win for the Philadelphia 76ers, which are in the middle of a very crucial offseason with the East being wide-open next season.