The Sixers have generally steered clear of the free agent market, particularly when it comes to high-priced players, during their lengthy rebuilding process, but that approach could change this year. The team reportedly has “serious” interest in Harrison Barnes, who may be in line for a max contract, and agents who have spoken to Sean Deveney of The Sporting News suggest there’s a different vibe around the team this summer.
“By all indications, they’re going to be aggressive, and I think once you get past that first tier of free agents, you are going to have a perfect storm in Philadelphia that is going to make players want to go there,” one agent told Deveney. “Brett Brown is a good coach. They’ve got money. They’ve got playing time available. I mean, it couldn’t be a more different situation than what we’re used to.”
Here’s more on the Sixers, via Deveney:
- More on the Sixers, from another player agent: “I’ve got guys who tell me they want to going there. I mean, excited to go there. It’s a different approach.”
- Philadelphia isn’t expected to pursue top-tier free agents like Al Horford, but the team will be willing to gamble on young guards and wing players who could command large salaries, like Barnes. A source confirmed to Deveney that the Sixers do indeed plan to show interest in Dion Waiters and Allen Crabbe, as we’ve heard this week.
- Evan Fournier and Jordan Clarkson are two more free agents who may receive consideration from the 76ers, but both players are restricted FAs and will be difficult to pry away from their current teams, writes Deveney.
- The Sixers are expected to pursue “one or more point guards” on the trade market, according to Deveney, who says the team explored a possible deal for Ricky Rubio on draft night. Such a deal would have had to be a three-way trade to get the Timberwolves the veteran help they were seeking.
- Per Deveney, Philadelphia has also expressed some trade interest in Patrick Beverley, whom the Rockets have reportedly shopped.
LOL. Harrison Barnes getting a max deal? He’s posted a below average PER in every year of his career and was terrible in the playoffs.
I have idea what people’s fascination with him is. My wife wasn’t even impressed when he hit on her at a club. Hell, even I would have gone for it now that I think about it.
Lol at siting 1 Stat as gospel. Learn2basketball
He’s also playing as a 4th or 5th option in gs.he’d be 2nd or 3rd with the 6ers,and we’re gonna have to overpay for anyone we go after,and he offers the most upside.also golden state already having a high payroll,being in on Durant,and also having to extend Curry soon,he’s probably the least likely rfa to be matched.
I think Rick could be good in Houston. Helping Harden be more of a finisher and less of a ball handler/ ball stopper
“Tell me they want to going there?” Nice article, but thought I’d point that out before someone decided to get mean about it like always.
The Sixers should try and get one year deals for Veteran Leadership and gamble on one person who I think could have a big season if he gets him self right.
The Sixers should try for Deng and Crawford and try and get Ty Lawson to sign a one year incentive laden deal.
I think that would be their best bet rather than someone who fell down in the playoffs like Barnes did.
SMH @Max deals.
I think the 76ers should trade Saric and Covington to the Timberwolves for Rubio. Makes sense for both teams IMO.