Sixers About to Receive Perfect Free Agent Gift From Warriors

Sixers fans are understandably focused on the big fish this offseason. Philadelphia has more cap space than any playoff team and they can have their pick of the litter in terms of which free agents to go after. Therefore, there have been speculations about the likes of Paul George, DeMar DeRozan, and OG Anunoby as a few potential options.

However, the Sixers also need to fill out the rest of their roster. The only rotation player they currently have under contract for next season is Joel Embiid. This means that not only do they need to re-sign some of their own players, including a likely max contract to Tyrese Maxey, but they also have to find value on minimum contracts for their bench.

Fortunately for them, the perfect candidate for backup center may be hitting the market thanks to the Golden State Warriors. According to the latest reporting, Kevon Looney will likely be released to save Golden State some money, making him an attractive free agent.

Sixers Should Go After Kevon Looney In Free Agency

We can all expect Joel Embiid to miss significant time in any given season. This makes it non-negotiable that Philadelphia needs to have two solid backup centers to begin the season. Paul Reed is already on the roster with a non-guaranteed contract for next season. Philly will presumably guarantee it and keep him around as he has been impactful as a bench big during his Sixers tenure.

Yet, the Sixers still haven't been able to solve their struggles when Embiid misses time. They went all the way down to the play-in race after Embiid's injury last season as they can't rack up wins in his absence. Therefore, another backup center that can share the 48 minutes at center with Reed when Embiid misses time could go a long way.

At this stage of his career, Looney is a backup center. But he is one of the best backup bigs in the league. He is not the fastest or the most athletic center out there but he is strong, rebounds extremely well, and provides defensive intensity. He is limited offensively but still makes an impact on offensive boards and as a smart ball mover.

Plus, he has significant championship experience as a part of three Warriors championship teams. His veteran leadership and competence could be valuable for a Sixers team lacking on that front. On a veteran's minimum deal, the Sixers could do much worse than Looney.

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