The Philadelphia 76ers currently have an empty barren of a roster as most of their players are set to hit free agency. Save for Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Paul Reed, and a couple of other players recently converted to standard NBA deals, the team will mostly likely look entirely different next season.
That being said, the 76ers have made it known that they intend to try and convince some of their outgoing players into re-signing with the team for next season at the very least. And as you might have already expected by now, their wishlist comprises of players who definitely earned another stint with the team with their play this season.
76ers reveal free agents they want to re-sign this offseason
According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the 76ers are deeply interested in re-signing Nicolas Batum, Kyle Lowry, and Kelly Oubre Jr. to new deals this summer to give them a headtsrat in filling out the roster around their two stars.
Batum, who was traded early this season from LA, immediately shone as the 76ers’ resident connector and glue guy. He previously mentioned that he intended to retire after the Paris Olympics, but a fruitful first season in Philly could be enough to convince him to return given that a secure role is waiting for him.
Lowry, the 76ers’ prime addition from the buyout market, looked every bit of washed before showing that he still has enough left in the tank late in the season. Despite his advanced age and waning effectiveness, Lowry still profiles as a battle-tested veteran who should have no problems backing up Maxey and starting games when needed.
Lastly, Oubre stood out as one of the 76ers’ success stories this season. Coming to Philly to salvage an erstwhile cold market for him, the 28-year-old managed to seamlessly fit in as a tertiary scoring option whose much-improved defense allowed him to take on harder assignments. He finished the year as a starter, and he clearly thrived in a more streamlined role.
Out of the three, Batum and Lowry could be much easier gets. Aside from their obviously snug fits with the team, both aren’t expected to command significant money in free agency, which fits right into the 76ers’ plans anyway.
However, Oubre is another story. Philadelphia is inherently limited in the amount of money they can shell out for the forward, and that he easily outplayed his contract could prompt another team into outpricing the 76ers.
Ultimately, these three players truly proved their worth this season, and should the Philadelphia 76ers manage to retain them all, their offseason would be off to a dream start.