Philadelphia 76ers: Saric Coming Over; Free Agency Rumors

The Philadelphia 76ers have been swirled around intense free agency rumors, but in the meanwhile have also gotten more of a commitment from Dario Saric about playing in the NBA.

It’s been a busy week for the Philadelphia 76ers, as they try to find ways to bolster their roster. Luckily for them, they may be able to do so without having to lift a finger.

Dario Saric has once again asserted that he will be coming over to the NBA and joining the Philadelphia 76ers this season. This news comes comes right before the start of the free agency period, and with the roster starting to form, it could impact the way the team attacks free agency.

Saric has decided to ignore the financial decision of staying abroad one more year, saying he gave the Philadelphia 76ers “his word” that he would come to the NBA this upcoming season.

Saric coming over is great news for this rebuilding team, but again creates a clutter at the big man position. The question is, does Saric’s confirmation insinuate some type of trade involving Nerlens Noel or Jahlil Okafor? The team may be even more active in shopping the two now that they know Saric can fill some minutes.

Restricted Free Agent Rumors:

The Philadelphia 76ers have been in the middle of numerous rumors saying they are interested in various restricted free agents. Golden State Warriors RFA Harrison Barnes was said to be one of the team’s main targets. Barnes will most likely get max offers, despite his play suggesting otherwise. 

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According to Rich Hoffman of Philly Voice, the max offer the Philadelphia 76ers could put on the table is a 4-year, $94 million dollar deal. The team has the money to do the deal and would still be able to pick up a few more free agents, but the question is should they do this deal?

Barnes per 36 minutes do not scream max money, as his averages are 13.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. In this new world of the salary cap-rising we should expect players of Barnes’ quality to get big money, but the Philadelphia 76ers shouldn’t be the ones to throw money at the former championship-winning forward.

Barnes is a nice two-way player and can defend the wing, but the Philadelphia 76ers have Robert Covington, who brings a similar role as Barnes but to a slightly lesser extent. Also, what would be concerning about this deal is the fact the salary cap will start to flatten in year 3 of Barnes’ potential contract, which could bind the team financially as they would try to resign various young players currently on the roster.

The Philadelphia 76ers would make a statement move in signing Barnes, but in the end it is both unlikely for the Warriors to let him walk and wise of the 76ers to pass on the pricey forward.

Dion Waiters was another RFA that the Philadelphia 76ers have been interested in. With the Oklahoma City trading Serge Ibaka for shooting guard Victor Oladipo, it seems that OKC is prepared to let Philly-native Waiters walk. Waiters will be another mid-level talent guy that will get big money.

Although there will be angst over signing the free-shooting Waiters to big money, the Philadelphia 76ers could try to swing a two or three-year deal instead of a max contract involving four or five years. A one-year plus player option on max money may be appealing to Waiters, who is only 24-years old and could be getting even more money next season.

In this case, the Thunder may even match the offer, and the Sacramento Kings may do their best in overpaying as well. It seems like Waiters to Philly is more likely than Barnes to Philly.

Finally, the Philadelphia 76ers are going after a more reasonable pick-up in guard/forward Allen Crabbe. Crabbe has been an improving player for the Portland Trailblazers the past three seasons. As his minutes increased his stats improved to a higher level of output. Crabbe won’t be a max money player, but it may take some overpaying to pry him away from Portland.

The Philadelphia 76ers will also have to outbid the Brooklyn Nets and the Sacramento Kings.

Crabbe is a dead-eye outside shooter and has incrementally gotten better defensively. Crabbe’s timeline matches up perfectly with that of the Philadelphia 76ers, which should make him the team’s most realistic target.

In other news, the Philadelphia 76ers also have picked up the team option of Hollis Thompson. Thompson is the longest-tenured Sixer and has shot 39.1% from 3-point land in his career. The option was for just $1 million.

Next: McConnell's Importance To Rebuild

The Philadelphia 76ers will have a busy month of July ahead of them, and the team will be looking for new ways to bolster their talent, even if it means dishing out extra money.