4 Free agents the Philadelphia 76ers must not re-sign this offseason

4 Free agents the Philadelphia 76ers must not re-sign this offseason

3. Cameron Payne — PG/SG (UFA, Non-Bird)

Both the 76ers and Cameron Payne probably understand that the midseason trade that sent the latter to Philly will only yield a rental situation. By all odds, it’s unlikely that the front office will seriously look into getting him back for next season.

Without offense to Payne, a solid veteran role player with sufficient offensive ammo and contagious defensive activity, but there’s simply little reason for the 76ers to make a play for him in free agency. The team already has Kyle Lowry, a safer bet to return next season under the premise that he doesn’t retire just yet, and the market offers a robust selection of guards anyway.

If we were to make a bet, it’s more likley that the 76ers try to re-sign Melton for cheap instead of settling for Payne, who can only handle limited minutes at best. But fortunately for the veteran, there should still be some playoff teams — those with thin guard rotations — that would be willing to take a flyer on him.