Plotting the dream offseason for the Philadelphia 76ers
Step 4: Complements, complements
Philly’s offseason won’t stop at a third star. While their cap space would virtually be sapped if they do get a third star, the free agency market will be littered with great, experience role players at every price range who should be on the 76ers’ radar.
The 76ers own Bird rights to six of their eight impending free agents (excluding Maxey and two-way players), allowing them to go over the cap to re-sign them to new deals if they so desire. Among those, Nicolas Batum (assuming he doesn’t retire), Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton, and Tobias Harris are their current heavy hitters. Extending those players would be difficult, but the 76ers at least have some control over their fate.
The team’s free agency prospects would of course be enhanced if they conversely miss out on a marquee addition. Either way, the 76ers mounted flexibility so significant that they would nevertheless be well-served if they go lucrative for one or for many.