The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly finished making moves in free agency, which is definitely not what fans probably expected at this juncture. Hardly anyone is considering the team as definite contenders for the championship, especially with both Joel Embiid and Paul George already running into huge obstacles right from the get-go from a health standpoint.
As a result, investing in more depth should not hurt, especially if they target players who can actually play. And thanks to the Lakers, the 76ers might just have the perfect minor piece to go after long before training camp opens.
In order to make room to sign veteran guard and former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, Los Angeles cut Shake Milton from the roster. The former 76ers guard was slated to make around $3 million this season, and waiving him allowed the Lakers to bring in Smart, whom they signed to a two-year, $11 million contract.
The 76ers could reunite with a former fan-favorite in Shake Milton
Since leaving Philadelphia two seasons ago, Milton has not managed to carve out a consistent role. He has played for a staggering five teams in a span of two years, failing to stick with a ball club. And him getting waived is a culmination of this string of movements.
While the 76ers expect to have a full deck once they inevitably come to terms with Quentin Grimes on a new deal, the front office should not hesitate to go beyond the 15 guaranteed contracts they have (counting Grimes). Philly has a couple of players who do not really move the needle anymore, and MIlton even offers far more than them at his point in their careers.
Milton, whom thrived with the 76ers as a bench energizer, is a rangy combo guard who can create shots for himself while also setting the table for others on a consistent basis. Those are two areas which Philly needs, and despite their abundance of talent in the back court, it wouldn’t hurt to have someone like Milton as a depth piece, especially with Jared McCain coming off a major injury.
To make the pot sweeter, Milton will probably be content with a veteran’s minimum deal. And in addition to his well-fitting skill set off the bench, he brings some sense of familiarity to the team, having already played with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
The Philadelphia 76ers need more value players to round out the roster, and even if they have a full house at the moment, they should not settle with what they have on deck. Someone like Shake Milton will definitely be a low-risk, high-reward addition, and the front office should not just let this one slip past them.