It was another tumultuous season for the Philadelphia 76ers, which ultimately ended in another disappointment, as they were dumped out of the playoffs in the second round.
NBA fans looking for a risk free promo to wager on the 2022-23 season may be wary of going with the 76ers, given the uncertainty over James Harden’s next contract, and the question mark over Tobias Harris’ future. But, it seems likely that Philadelphia will be one of the busier franchises this summer. Here are some of the most interesting free agent options that they may be considering.
Gary Harris
Gary Harris would be a much hotter proposition if he could find his three-ball, but still, he remains a useful contributor. He’s a nuisance on defense, and he can kick around the perimeter comfortably in most matchups. Before trading Ben Simmons, the Sixers needed more perimeter defenders, and since Danny Green’s terrible knee injury, that demand has grown enormously.
While Harris’ defense alone may earn him a starting spot in Philadelphia, his offensive potential could also make him a late-game roster regular. In 2021-22, he made 1.9 three-pointers on 38.4 percent shooting, and he’s scored at least 12.3 points on better than 46 percent shooting three times.
Isaiah Hartenstein
To support Joel Embiid, the 76ers require a reliable, big man. Embiid reached career highs in games (68) and minutes (2,297) this season, and Philly may be wary of adding too much more to his workload.
Isaiah Hartenstein is an interesting option. His outside shooting (career 38.3%) alone might provide new nuances to this offense, but that’s far from everything he brings to the court. He possesses a wide range of skills, including active rebounding and slick passing, as well as paint defense and some off-the-dribble scoring. It’s possible that his next contract may be too expensive for the Sixers, but if franchises are hesitant to spend on centers, then the Sixers may be able to get a highly skilled center for a low price.
Caleb Martin
The Sixers are in need of more two-way wings and Caleb Martin could fit the bill perfectly. The 6’5″ swingman went from not winning much in Charlotte to making a slew of clutch plays for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. He accomplished multiple personal bests during his debut season with the Miami Heat, including 9.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 50.7 percent field-goal shooting.
This offseason, he is due a big (but not excessive) raise, and the Sixers could choose to offer it, as Martin would help shore up an obvious hole in their wing rotation.
Cody Martin
The other Martin twin, Cody, is another option. Martin is well-liked in Charlotte. They increased his playing time to 26.3 minutes per game this season, and he rewarded their faith with career highs in every category. Because he’s a restricted free agent, Charlotte may match whatever offer he receives, but on the other hand, the Hornets have already paid Terry Rozier and Gordon Hayward, and Miles Bridges will be paid in 2022. Then, there’s the LaMelo Ball extension, which is unavoidable. All of this might lead to Martin slipping away, and the Sixers swooping in to snag him.
Kent Bazemore
Bazemore only appeared in 39 games for the Lakers’ dysfunctional squad in 2021-22, but he fits the bill for what Philadelphia will be searching for in the offseason. He’s always been a high-energy player who is eager to go above and beyond to assist his team’s win. He’s also a career 35.6 percent three-point shooter. He’d be a huge asset to Philadelphia if they are chasing a championship.
Zach LaVine
According to reports, Sixers President of Basketball Operations, Daryl Morey, is strongly considering the value of adding another big name to play alongside Joel Embiid and James Harden. The Sixers have been linked to Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal in the past, and if LaVine is available, it wouldn’t be surprising if they tried to bring the 27-year-old standout to Philadelphia.
LaVine is coming off a season marred by injuries. Due to a sprained knee, he struggled with his explosiveness and is anticipated to have minor surgeries in the offseason. His availability for the upcoming election season is not in threat however, and while he had previously been considered a safe bet to return to Chicago, his situation has become unclear. If he does enter free agency, there will be plenty of demand for his services, and the 76ers could be in that queue, as they aim to go deeper in the playoffs in 2023.