Despite Loss To Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers Is Still Top Destination For Free Agents
The Philadelphia 76ers will be a top destination for NBA free agents this offseason according to Dan Favale of Bleacher Report. The issue is, the Lakers, Cavaliers, Celtics, Knicks, and Warriors are still battling for their positions as well. While the Sixers have been off the grid for a while, all that has changed this season thanks to Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and winning.
These are uncharted waters for the Sixers. Think back to when Allen Iverson was there. Not many players still wanted to come to Philly, but things have changed. It’s just a different atmosphere in the city and around this team.
The 2018 offseason will be focused on the likes of LeBron James, Paul George, Carmelo Anthony, and DeMarcus Cousins. But for once, the Sixers will not need to search out players, they will come to them. But what makes the Sixers one of the top destinations? For one, they have money to spend, a young roster, a front office looking to win, and a fan base that’s hungry for a championship. Winning combinations all around.
The “Trust The Process” era is officially over as the Sixers have shaken their demons and advanced to the playoffs. Despite their second-round loss to the Boston Celtics, the future is very bright for a once-dismal franchise. Looking at what they have done with such a young unit has teams like the Lakers, Cavaliers, Raptors, and Rockets more worried about getting the top names in free agency.
The Lakers, who are just as young can sell players on history and the Los Angeles lifestyle while the Sixers can sell them on a youthful team that is winning now, instead of one with hopes of winning in the future. The Lakers are banking on George or James heading there to transform their franchise while the Sixers are already transformed. All they’re missing is a piece to get them over the hump.
Who Will The Sixers Walk Away With This Summer?
And let’s not forget one of the most important things the Sixers have going for them. The team will be armed with not one, but two 2018 first round draft picks which one could be a top-three pick. And while the fuss has been about Simmons and Embiid, the Sixers’ No. 1 pick from the 2017 NBA Draft, Markelle Fultz should be in top condition heading into the 2018-19 season. Then you add in the playoff experience they just went through and this is a team that’s ready to cause havoc for the foreseeable future.
So to recap what the Sixers could offer upcoming free agents is this. A ton of cap space, young talent, an eager fan base, a top defensive team, a cohesive unit, two first-round picks in the 2018 draft, and the return of current No. 1 pick Fultz. How can James, Cousins, or George turn that down?
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
