Free Agent Targets the Sixers Could Pursue
The NBA season is rapidly approaching. Starting on November 18th, a plethora of offseason activities will commence, beginning with the NBA Draft, and followed by the opening of Free Agency. The team has had a ton of time to think about which free agents they would like to pursue. There are many openings on the Sixers’ roster, especially considering the huge need for athletic wingers and playmaking ball handlers. We suspect the Sixers will make some groundbreaking trades, but on the other hand, the team will need to sign some valuable free agents to fill in some holes in their roster. Here are some free agents targets the Sixers could pursue.
D.J. Augustine
Sixers are in desperate need of a ball-handler and D.J. Augustine is an option at a cheap price. Augustine started in all 82 games for the Magic during the 18-19′ season before seeing Markelle Fultz take his spot. During his starting tenure, Augustine averaged 11.7 points and shot 42% from beyond the arc. His numbers dipped when he went to the bench but that is expected. Augustine wouldn’t be a starter for the Sixers, nor would he be a savior. But we all know how extremely painful it was to watch Raul Neto receive significant backup minutes. If Sixers can get Augustine at a cheap price, then it would be a more than a competent option for someone to run the offense for 20 minutes a game.
Langston Galloway
The biggest problem of the current constructed roster right now is spacing. Galloway would be a minor, yet cheap move to upgrade the roster. He is a player that could maximize his talent by playing next to a passer like Ben Simmons. Galloway has a decent season playing with a bad Pistons team. He shot close to 40% from three and can hold his own as a defender. He’s a player who knows his role as a catch and shoot winger. Galloway would be a decent option coming off the bench. We’ve seen a lot of shooters flourish playing with Ben Simmons. Galloway could improve from his underrated Pistons season to become a consistent shooter off the bench for the Sixers.
E’Twaun Moore
E’Twaun Moore is another solid 3 and D player that posted a career season last year with the Pelicans. Moore averaged a little over 40% from three-point range while providing some solid defense. In fact, Moore has never netted worse than around a -1.1 rating for his defensive plus/minus during his time in New Orleans. Moore would be another solid option to improve the much-needed floor spacing. He’s a player, that if the Sixers could get on Taxpayer Mid-Level Salary Exception, it would be a decent addition.
Kent Bazemore
Kent Bazemore has been a familiar face around the NBA for a while now. Since 2016, Bazemore has averaged 11.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game on 35.0 percent three-point shooting. Bazemore is known as somewhat of an inconsistent shooter. He certainly goes through some hot and cold streaks. All shooters go through their hot and cold streaks. This should not discourage the Sixers from signing him given their lack of scoring off the bench. During the same 2016 stretch, Bazemore averaged 1.3 steals per game, while netting a defensive box plus/minus of 0.7. Another player whose stats don’t jump off the sheet, yet it would be a good fit and upgrade for the below-average current bench.
Nerlens Noel/Dario Saric?
At first, they said he is never coming over. Now they are saying he’s never coming back. Us fans all want a reunion. It is possible? Is it worth it? Dario averaged 13.5 points, over 6 rebounds, and a field goal percentage of 43% with the Sixers. The Sixers traded Saric away breaking the hearts of so many Philly fans. A statistically down year has the Suns thinking about cutting ties with the 26-year-old Croatian. Philly gave Saric the best years of his career. His game is a perfect fit for Ben Simmons. He’s a gritty player who is great at off-ball cutting and mastered the trail three. Saric is still very young. At a cheap price, there is hope that he can return to his prime.
Sixers could use another backup Center to share minutes with Norvel Pelle and replace Kyle O’Quinn. Nerlens Noel has had two fantastic defensive seasons with the Thunder. He’s a great role player who knows his strengths and doesn’t try to do too much on the offensive end. Noel averaged 1.5 blocks per game in 18 minutes with the Thunder. The Thunder may give Noel a bigger contract, although, they might not have the space considering their current cap dilemma. If the Thunder and Noel part ways, Sixers would be lucky to scoop him on a cheap deal, For now, it sounds like a long shot.
Other Notable Free Agents- They Come With a Price
Fred VanVleet (Unrestricted), Danilo Gallinari (Unrestricted), Davis Bertans (Unrestricted), Jerami Grant (Unrestricted), Bodgan Bogdonavic (Restricted), Goran Dragic (Unrestricted), Joe Harris (Unrestricted), Christian Wood (Unrestricted).
