The Philadelphia 76ers probably have a long list of to-do's in free agency. However, they only have limited financial legroom to effectuate those changes, making it imperative for the front office to go after under-the-radar players in the open market. The latest market rumor actually proves that, as the team has been linked to Dean Wade in recent days.
That being said, the team's reported pursuit of the Cavaliers forward actually spells bad news for one player who is currently on the roster –– Trendon Watford. The 76ers have a team option on the latter's contract for next season, and after a rather forgettable campaign in his first year in Philly, it appears that the implication is that the front office is looking for clear upgrade over him.
Watford was brought in last year to provide a major boost to the team's depth in the frontcourt. He quickly proved to be a serviceable role player early in the season, but after an injury that kept him out for a considerable period, he was tossed to the side and barely got consistent minutes in the latter part of the season.
The 76ers seem to have made their feelings clear about Trendon Watford
Wade is rapidly emerging as one of the more popular, low-cost free agents available in the market. With his unique blend of size, positional versatility, defensive acuity, and respectable three-point shooting, it is no surprise that playoff teams are reportedly lining up to acquire his services this offseason.
If the 76ers do succeed in signing Wade, that would further push Watford down the drain in the team's pecking order, if not booted out of the team altogether. The team will be needing whatever cap space they can generate this summer, and declining Watford's option would allow them to pursue another low-cost contributor who can help fill the gaps better.
Watford's primary weakness is his lack of three-point shooting. For some reason, he simply stopped shooting them, and his makes only came once in a blue moon. As good as he is as an all-around, malleable bench player, this team simply requires floor-spacers at all times. That he is not only works to his disadvantage.
In an ideal world, Trendon Watford can still shoot threes and the 76ers would not have to go after Dean Wade. However, that is currently far from reality, and it only makes sense for the team to pursue the latter, even if it comes at the expense of the former.
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