The Philadelphia 76ers are not one to shy away from the limelight when talking about free agency. With Daryl Morey leading the franchise up top, the team has generated a lot of noise — both good or bad — in the aspect of player movement, especially in recent years.
Expect that to continue this year. Sure, the 76ers do not have nearly the same amplitude of spending power they enjoyed just a year ago when they basically engaged in a Vegas-like largesse, but there are still ample opportunities for the front office to bring about some much-needed changes to the roster, especially on the margins.
So far, the team has only been linked to the big names out there in anticipation of a possible, yet farfetched blockbuster trade involving their draft pick. But concealed behind the veil of ceaseless guessworks is the sheer volume of impending under-the-radar free agents who could be huge needle-movers for the 76ers in theory.
Chris Paul is the best free agent target for the 76ers no one is talking about
Despite the red flags surrounding Philadelphia’s core, its starting lineup is still one of the most talented five-man units in the NBA. Injuries deprived the squad from truly developing that chemistry on the hardwood, but with better health and luck on that front, the 76ers should be back in the thick of things next season.
Improving the bench, however, should be a non-negotiable. Hence, they should pursue one of the quieter names in the open market in the form of Chris Paul.
The future first-ballot Hall of Famer, who recently turned 40, has not given any indication that he would be retiring this year. And that is probably packed with good reason, especially as he had just finished a season where he played all 82 games as the lead floor general for the young San Antonio Spurs.
Given the Spurs’ direction, it is unlikely that they will seek Paul’s services once more, meaning that the 12-time All-Star could once again be on the move. In that case, Philadelphia could be a destination that can pique his interest.
Paul will most likely not prioritize getting a bag anymore if it means he can still have a consistent role. With the 76ers, he can certainly clinch that opportunity given the team’s subsisting issue when it comes to playmaking.
Currently, Philly has Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain as their projected starters, but outside of them, the backcourt is filled with question marks. Quentin Grimes could very well prove to be too expensive to keep while Jared Butler is still a bit of an unproven commodity.
Both the Philadelphia 76ers and Chris Paul will clearly benefit from a mutual pact. As long as the price is right, the front office should most definitely try their luck at convincing the future Hall of Famer into another ride before he hangs his sneakers up.