The Philadelphia 76ers have most of their core guys already locked in for next season, but the vast majority of their complementary cogs are set to enter free agency. Hence, the front office will certainly have their work lined up for them during the offseason when it comes to filling the roster up and making the needed upgrades.
However, that will be much easier said than done. The 76ers, unlike last year, will barely have any financial leeway to make such signings. In effect, they will have to bank on some of their players opting out of their current deals or rely on existing Bird rights to get the job done and improve the roster on the margins.
Philly also has some team options it can exercise to possibly bring back those already in the loop this season. Case in point? Look no further than Lonnie Walker IV, who is making a late charge to the end the season and potentially extend his stay with the 76ers.
Lonnie Walker IV is making a last-ditch case to remain with the 76ers
Walker started the season off getting the short end of the stick when he was cut by the Celtics after training camp. He then played in Lithuania, where he would spend the most of the season before getting the call from the 76ers in late February.
Since then, Walker has been rather quiet due to his suppressed minutes, but in the games where he was given ample court time, he has managed to showcase his scoring prowess from all three levels.
In 19 appearances for the team thus far, Walker has logged 11.4 points, three rebounds, and 2.5 assists in just 23.2 minutes per outing. His shooting splits do not pop up positively, but given that was pegged to do the shot-chucking when the halfcourt offense stalls, this is far from surprising.
The 76ers need inexpensive shot creation off the bench next season, and with the team having the option to bring him back for cheap in 2025-26, giving Walker another gor-ound with the team sounds like a plausible idea.
Philly admittedly needs a more consistent scoring and spot-up option than Walker, but that prototype often comes in a costly package in free agency. Hence, given their financial constraints, the 76ers should truly consider bringing back Lonnie Walker IV to help fortify the wing rotation and give the squad a much-needed energizer bunny who can come in and get hot quickly.