Sixers looking for one-year deals may make for a subtle free agency
The Sixers are staying committed to cap space in 2018, which could make for a somewhat underwhelming free agency this summer.
Free agency is just hours away, and the Sixers are making news. ESPN’s Zach Lowe is reporting that the organization has told agents they are seeking one-year deals, to preserve future cap space and to leave room for a possible Robert Covington extension.
What does this mean? Well, most likely that the roster won’t improve much around the core of Ben Simmons, Markelle Fultz, and Joel Embiid. Free agency won’t be a huge one for the Sixers, but it still can be utilized correctly.
This will most likely put the Sixers out of the race for some highly valued role players, such as J.J. Redick and Andre Iguodala, who are looking for long-term deals on the dwindling days of their careers. Unless the Sixers decide to drop huge one-year deals, then expect the team to see some lesser players come through free agency.
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The questions that follow this decision come next. Are the Sixers targeting a top free agent next summer? Or are they being cautious about locking up role players as Joel Embiid’s extension is on the horizon? Or both? The Sixers will now be focused on picking up impactful bodies looking to make themselves some money for the following season.
Much like we saw Dion Waiters do in his one season in Miami, there is some value for younger fringe starters to make some major money in a bigger role for the Sixers on a one-year risk. It also most likely takes them out of the races for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Otto Porter, Jr., even if both players’ teams decide to match the offer sheets.
This should water down some playoff hopes, though the eighth seed in the East constantly is the league’s most open annual race. The Sixers are still staying on path, by allowing this young core to grow together, at least somewhat, before the team tries to make a move towards the top of the conference.
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The Sixers will add depth, but not the type of depth to see insane production. Maybe an Arron Afflalo or a Ben McLemore would be comfortable with such a contract. This news shouldn’t be that surprising, as Philadelphia still aren’t at the point where role players are needed to make some sort of cinderella run. The success of this team hinders on the core this season, the other pieces will fall into place next year.