Former All-Star predicted to end up with the Philadelphia 76ers

Thanks to their robust cap space before the offseason began, the Philadelphia 76ers eventually ended up selling like hotcakes as a destination for free agents. From a perennial All-Star to high-caliber role players, the franchise instantly rose atop the players’ wishlists.

Despite their slew of flashy signings, though, the 76ers still have a few roster spots available for taking. The front office need not fill up the barrel fully, but that would undoubtedly be a risky proposition for a team in need of depth due to its extensive injury history. And to fill that void, this former All-Star is apparently believed by some to end up in Philly.

Former All-Star and free agent Gordon Hayward predicted to sign with the 76ers

While most of the notable names in free agency are now off the board, one player with a lot of pedigree and still unsigned is Gordon Hayward. The former All-Star forward turned in a disappointing campaign as a bench piece for the Oklahoma City Thunder last season, hence his current status.

Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey, however, believes that there is still a spot for Hayward in this league, and that is in Philadelphia.

"With his 38.5 three-point percentage over the last five seasons, Hayward could be a dangerous, standstill catch-and-shoot threat working off actions involving the stars. Against the opposition's lower-level perimeter defenders, he might even be able to do some damage as a scorer and creator attacking closeouts."

Hayward still has innate upside as a high-end bench operator who can score in bunches and functions as a secondary release valve. Prior to getting moved to the Thunder, he was still playing at a passable level with the Hornets, signaling that there’s still something left in the tank for the former All-Star.

The 76ers also need to augment their forward rotation, making Hayward a hypothetically snug fit. However, that’s where the conundrum breaks in. Philadelphia is in the market for depth insurances at this juncture, and taking a flier on an oft-injured veteran on the wrong side of 30 would be very counterproductive for a team not known for bennering iron men on its roster.

His downturn in OKC also cannot be ignored. He simply failed to adapt to an ancillary role, setting a bad precedence for a team that would probably prefer not having him in any featured role at this point in his career.

Gordon Hayward had a very respectable career, and while the Philadelphia 76ers have a need for a plyer of his archetype, the asterisks that come with getting him as a free agent might be too grim for a squad in need of safer resorts.