No other win-now franchise in the NBA will enjoy more spending power than the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason. Hence, for players largely looking for a shot at the championship, the team should be a popular destination with the likes of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in for the long ride.
Some names, big or modest, come off as sleek fits within the team’s dynamic. However, there are some who, while tempting to pursue, are concurrently risky commodities. Here are four free agents whom the 76ers should ultimately steer clear from.
4. Gordon Hayward should be a big no-no for the 76ers
In theory, Gordon Hayward fits the archetype of a player who would thrive in a more streamline role as a connector. However, while the former All-Star still has those stylings, his most recent stint in OKlahoma City is an icy indication of his waning effectiveness.
At age 34, Hayward will be best catered coming off the bench. He has the gravitas to somehow command considerable money, and if so, prusuing him would be pointless given the bevy of cheaper alternatives in the market at his position. Oh, and don’t get us started on his extensive injury history, which is also a deterrent in and of itself.
Hayward’s reluctance to embrace a featured second-unit role is also concerning, In fact, it was the primary reason behind his benching with the Thunder. And unless he proves that he can still show glimpses of his efficient, all-around play from the yesteryears even in limited servings, signing a relatively costly bench piece would not just be risky, but also probably unwise.
3. The French magic in Philadelphia won’t get a re-do from Evan Fournier
Nicolas Batum highly succeeded in his first — and potentially only —season with the 76ers, and his possible departure could have subtle, yet definitive effects for the team. After all, his low-usage utility on offense, spot-up shooting, and heady, switchy defense quickly fit right into Nick Nurse’ ethos.
What about replacing him with another Frenchman, you say? Well, unless it’s Victor Wembanyama, it’s probably going to be a hard no, especially if it’s Evan Fournier. The 31-year-old finished off the season with the Pistons after getting traded out of New York, but it’s unlikely that he’ll find a proactive suitor for his service this offseason.
The 12-year veteran has been a solid secondary to tertiary scorer for most of his career, but he’s simply become too inefficient to warrant another shot at a consistent role. Since falling out of favor with Tom Thibodeau, Fournier has become an unplayable cog, barely hitting with any efficiency from the perimeter while remaining an obvious hole defensively.
2. D’Angelo Russell isn’t the Tyrese Maxey running mate the 76ers need
Philadelphia tried to mitigate the lack of a running mate for Tyrese Maxey last season by committee, but all of their backcourt players could leave in free agency. Nevertheless, the 76ers would probably pursue an opportunity to pair a high-caliber guard next to the first-time All-Star and Most Improved Player of the Year if the chance presents itself.
One guard who could be in line for a sizeable payday this offseason is D’Angelo Russell. After turning in a solid season for the Lakers with average of 18 points and 6.3 assists per game despite playing with high-usage stars in LeBron James and Anthony Davis and a role player masquerading as a star in Austin Reaves, the former All-Star still managed to thrive for the most part and produced lofty numbers.
However, expecting his production to carry over to the 76ers in a hypothetical scenario would be akin to jumping the gun. He’s not a mid to high-volume playmaker, which the team needs more urgently, and the team needs a more reliable defensive presence next to Maxey. Put simply, he doesn’t profile as the kind of ideal running mate the All-Star needs.
1. The 76ers should avoid going the Klay Thompson route
The Golden State Warriors were easily one of the most disappointing teams this season, and part of their across-the-board decline this season was the uninspiring play they got from Klay Thompson. Heading into the summer, his status in San Francisco remains up in the air, as the former All-Star faces the legitimate possibility of him donning a different jersey for the first time ever.
Thompson, however, still has pretty likeable traits from a basketball standpoint. His volume three-point shooting, while at a near career-low rate last season, still trounces other shapshooters’. His ample playoff and championship experience is also a tempting facet for any team looking to get over the hump.
The 76ers, the betting odds favorite to land Thompson, should avoid him nonetheless. Thompson is still likely to command a hefty sum in free agency, and the fact that his best stretches last season cam when he was operating off the bench is not a good manifestation of his value when compared to his projected price tag. Factor in his health question marks, and Philly has for itself someone they should steer clear from.
