The relationship between Andre Iguodala, the Sixers and the fans of Philadelphia has been increasingly unique over the past five or so years. While he was clearly the best player on a team that made several playoff appearances, the organization seemed lodged in NBA mediocrity and the fans and new ownership group noticed. The Iguodala rumor mill churned for years, and on Thursday night it seems many in Philadelphia got their wish. Now the question is, can they keep their prized return, Andrew Bynum, for the long term?
We already heard that the Sixers moved onto Bynum only after learning that Howard had no long-term interest in Philly. CSNPhilly's Dei Lynam confirms that report and also offers insight into Bynum's future in Philadelphia from Sixers president and general manager Rod Thorn:
"Our feeling is that we will have a very good chance to sign Bynum for several reasons. Andrew was very happy about being traded to us. He thinks we have a good team. Secondly, he is from New Jersey and he is more of an East Cost guy than a West Coast type of guy and we think he will be very happy here. You never know until it happens, but I feel he'll like it here and want to continue his career here," Thorn said in a conference call with reporters on Friday.
When it comes to the NBA, Philadelphia is a strange case. A sports-crazed major city, it is seen as a top-flight destination when it comes to the three other major sports. But for whatever reason, that seemed to no longer be the case in the NBA. The Sixers are young, talented with ample cap space and trade assets, yet before this blockbuster were never mentioned as a possibility for any of the multitude of superstars who have changed teams of late.
Thorn went on to sing Bynum's praises, making it clear that the organization will have interest in locking up the New Jersey native. With Bynum comes his Bird Rights, so the Sixers will have the ability to offer him one more year than potential suitors can, assuming Philly will wait until next summer to negotiate a deal. With that said, do you think the Sixers can re-sign Bynum? Feel free to offer your opinion in the comments section.