July 02, 2018
The Sixers missed out on their big free agency prizes Sunday and quickly turned their attention to what remains — inking sharp-shooting J.J. Redick to a one-year, $12 million contract for next season.
The core is set, with the starting line up of Ben Simmons, Redick, Robert Covington, Dario Saric and Joel Embiid slated to return next season, but the rest of the makeup of the 2018-19 Sixers is still murky.
Youngsters Markelle Fultz, Zhaire Smith, Landry Shamet, Richaun Holmes and a few others remain on the team as well and could work their way into big minutes in the rotation (if they aren't used as trade chips). Other pieces that became household names like Ersan Ilysova and Marco Belinelli have left for new opportunities leaving the bench thin.
The star hunting promised by head coach and acting GM Brett Brown will need to come in the form of a trade. As for the remaining cap space of roughly $20 million after the Redick deal, there aren't too many head-turning names left unemployed.
Tyreke Evans, G (29-years-old, 16.5 ppg (career average)
Evans was rumored to the Sixers over the trade deadline, and as an unrestricted free agent could be the shooter the Sixers need. He shot 39.9 percent from three in 52 games with the Grizzlies last season and fills out stat sheets with more than five rebounds and assists per game. He's an above average defender and can play three positions and may be a perfect sixth man for the Sixers next season.
Jabari Parker, F (23, 15.3 ppg)
Parker is restricted and the Bucks have given him a qualifying offer — which means they can match any offer made by an outside team, or retain him if no other offers are made. Parker is the youngest player on this list and has the biggest upside, and would be a big asset for Philly if they find a way to sign him. But he's likely seeking a longterm deal — something Philadelphia will not be handing out to anyone on this list. They want the cap space for next offseason which could price them out of the Parker market.
Jamal Crawford, G (38, 15 ppg)
Crawford is known as the ageless perennial sixth man of the year, and is a free agent after playing 20 minutes per game off the bench for the Timberwolves this year. Minnesota still has interest and the Sixers have a lot of depth at guard, but he remains one of the best fits of the mid-tier of free agents.
The #Sixers have expressed some interest in acquiring @JCrossover in free agency, according to sources. Like I tweeted out moments ago, he would a great addition if they’re able to get him.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) July 2, 2018
Avery Bradley, G/F (27, 12.3 ppg)
Sixers fans know Bradley from his days with the Celtics and NBA fans know him for his defense. Brett Brown will no doubt be a proponent of adding the wingman to the Sixers rotation.
Wayne Ellington, G (30, 8 ppg)
Will the Newtown Square native come back home? Ellington is a career 41 percent three point shooter and his bursts of offense could be just what Philly needs off the bench.
Kyle O'Quinn, F (28, 5.8 ppg)
O'Quinn has blocked a shot per game in just 15 minutes per appearance — a stat the defensive-minded Sixers will no doubt be attracted to.
Rodney Hood, G (25, 13 ppg)
Again, the Sixers have a lot of guard talent but Hood could be a secondary scoring option useful for the squad on a short-term contract.
Seth Curry, G (27, 10.2 ppg)
Curry is coming off an injury but if he can shoot even half as well as his more famous brother Steph he could be a good piece for the Sixers. In his last full season in 2016-17, he shot 42.5 percent from long distance and netted 12.8 points per game.
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