The 76ers can sign five former All-Stars at a low cost during the offseason.
In keeping with All-Star weekend, the Philadelphia 76ers can sign these five previous All-Stars in the offseason for a low cost.
Tyrese Maxey is the only player representing the Philadelphia 76ers during All-Star weekend due to Joel Embiid’s injury. This season, the 23-year-old guard has played so well that he was rightfully selected as a first-time All-Star.
The 76ers don’t have any excuse to be sad, even though they may be in transition for the remainder of the season. Embiid might still be able to make a comeback in time for the postseason, and more significantly, the front staff will have plenty of alternatives to bolster the team throughout the offseason.
Having said that, getting big names is difficult. In keeping with the All-Star weekend theme, the 76ers can sign these five former All-Stars for a low cost this summer in case they lose out on their more expensive targets.
5 Former All-Stars that the 76ers can sign in the offseason at a low cost
1. Klay Thompson (UFA) — SG/SF
Although Klay’s difficulties this season have been widely reported, his recent reorganization as the Warriors’ de facto sixth player has raised hopes for a more optimal role going forward. However, Thompson will become a free agent this summer, and since Golden State is currently in a state of change, it is not a given that he will sign again.
Following a lucrative contract, Thompson might accept a little below-market offer from teams that are interested. And if the 76ers are unable to land one of their top targets and decide that Buddy Hield is too expensive, they ought to consider pursuing the five-time All-Star.
Thompson is still a highly dangerous volume spot-up shooter with a wealth of postseason experience and a championship history, even though his play is starting to decline. In lineups with either or both of Embiid and Maxey, his play style is incredibly easy to incorporate, and his length also offers him a better defensive floor.
2. UFA PG Mike Conley
Adding more muscle to their already shaky backcourt outside of Maxey makes sense as the 76ers intend to use the offseason to acquire more win-now assets. De’Anthony Melton is frequently injured, Cameron Payne is almost certain to sign a free agent contract, and Kyle Lowry’s effectiveness has drastically decreased.
Veteran playmaker Mike Conley, who is still a highly productive player for the Timberwolves in Year 17, is one guy they could try to add. As a pass-first, low-usage guard, he has thrived, recording 6.4 assists and just 1.1 turnovers per game. He also has a career-high conversion rate from downtown of 44.2 percent.
Few point guards have more than ten years of experience and are as mentally tough and experienced as Conley. Even at the attacking end, he is a skilled defender and may serve as an excellent mentor for Maxey. Minnesota won’t let him leave, but even if Philly has to overpay to compete with his current club, they shouldn’t have to break the bank to do it.
3.UFA SF/SG DeMar DeRozan
The Chicago Bulls infuriated almost everyone in the NBA by obstinately choosing to hold out during the trade deadline. However, their finest player, DeMar DeRozan, is scheduled to become a free agent this summer. Unless the team changes its ridiculous stance, the multi-time All-Star may find himself wearing a new uniform the following season.
If they don’t reach their big goals, the 76ers ought to be among the teams bidding for his services. DeRozan, who is still a very effective scorer and has plenty of postseason experience, should be able to take Tobias Harris’ place as the team’s supposed third option if he is let go.
Although DeRozan isn’t getting any younger, he will be a great acquisition for, say, a contract in the $20 million level. Even though he has had a very quiet year, his mid-range game is still quite effective, and he has added some three-point shooting to his repertoire. Even better, he can set the table for his teammates for extended periods of time and is a rather dependable playmaker.
4. PG/SG D’Angelo Russell (PO)
Although Lakers fans frequently toss around D’Angelo Russell’s name in trade rumors and trade machine concoctions, the former All-Star has actually been their best perimeter player this season, averaging 17.5 points and 6.3 assists per game on 46.5 shooting overall, including a very respectable 41.7 three-point shooting percentage.
The soon-to-be 28-year-old has the option to play again in Hollywood the following season, but he’s probably going to turn it down since he believes there will be a significant demand for his services. Apart from his obvious defensive flaws, there’s not much to discourage us from thinking he can be a dependable starter in the league.
With Harris and Kelly Oubre Jr. all likely to scuttle in free agency, Russell should be a desirable, medium-vost target for the 76ers if they desire even more offensive firepower. He will give Maxey less of the load of facilitating and give the older non-Maxey backcourt more youth and scoring punch.
5. Gordon Hayward (UFA) — PF/SF
Gordon Hayward, who was oddly dealt to the Oklahoma City Thunder ahead of the trade deadline, is expected to be a vital member of the young team throughout the playoffs. However, the veteran might just be a half-season rental as OKC begins to prepare their books for large contracts to its main players.
Hayward and Philadelphia have been connected a lot both this season and in the past, and since the 76ers have the resources to court him in free agency, that relationship shouldn’t end. Though he isn’t the strongest player, the former All-Star is a reliable three-level scorer who can occasionally defend forwards and act as a facilitator in the secondary.
Hayward should remain on the 76ers’ radar even if they are unable to sign one of their top targets. The market for his services is reduced by a small number of win-now clubs with wage caps, and the organization should be able to take advantage of that to entice him to Philadelphia without going over budget.
Leave a Reply