Sixers and free agency
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Sixers and free agency
The most anticipated free agency period in NBA history begins tonight when the clock strikes midnight.
You know the names: LeBron, Bosh, Wade, Stoudemire, Nowitski.
But what about your Philadelphia 76ers?
Even if they could trade Andre Iguodala or Elton Brand, the Sixers would not have the cap space for a top-tier free agent.
Here are two suggestions:
Now that Orlando Magic restricted free agent shooting guard J.J. Redick has finally learned to play credible defense, the Sixers should sign him to an offer sheet just to see what might happen.
A 40 percent shooter from three-point range would be a real nice backup to rookie Evan Turner.
An option among unrestricted free agents could be Miami Heat tough guy rebounder Udonis Haslem.
He’d be a perfect addition for a soft and poor rebounding frontcourt. Haslem, however, seemingly has little desire to go anywhere else. The Heat recently surprised him with a massive birthday party with 200 team employees to show that they appreciate him and want him to return. "Who would want to go anywhere else, with an organization like this," Haslem told the Miami Herald.
However, Haslem could be in line for a pay cut from the $7 million he madel ast year, depending on what else Miami does in free agency.
The Sixers have two free agents as of tonight: Rodney Carney and Francisco Elston. Carney signed a 1-year deal last summer to return to the Sixers. Elston was acquired from Milwaukee in a deadline trade that netted Jodie Meeks.
Carmelo on the Sixers? Not a chance! No doubt they will make some trades once free agent movement has taken place, but I doubt it will be a blockbuster, as Collins clearly likes Iguodala, their only commodity other than Turner and Holiday, and Brand can't really be traded until he becomes an expiring contract (rather than the expiring talent he has become). They will probably trade from among Williams, Kapono, Meeks, Young, and Speights for toughness under the boards and possibly a more consistent three-point threat like Reddick.— chuckw- fire stefanski,iguana for goalie or cliff lee— lawrence2465
- Why does everyone say we don't have cap space, including the author or this article? It makes no sense! Did you know last year the Lakers spent over 90 mil on their team's salaries? Last year the Sixers were just over 60 mil! Pathetic. The Sixers were ranked around #23 in spending. So they do have money to spend. They could easily spend another 20 mil a year on salaries and still not be the highest spending team. They'd only be about the 8th highest at that point which isn't too much considering this is Philadelphia... one of the largest markets. So yes, they do have money to spend if they really want a winning team. They're just cheap! So please, no more saying we don't have the cap space because other teams are spending much more than the Sixers.— regulus6633
Bob Cooney has been at the Daily News for more than 20 years, working in the sports department for the past 15. This is his third season on the Sixers beat. He has covered just about everything, but mostly college basketball, where he was the La Salle beat writer for six seasons. E-mail Bob at cooneyb@phillynews.com and follow him on Twitter.
