Sixers and free agency
The most anticipated free agency period in NBA history begins tonight when the clock strikes midnight.
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.
Redick or Haslem would be interesting; both guys have shown they can play well during the playoffs. The 76ers can't stand pat; Turner is nice, but there is so much more to be done.— 76erfn- Amir Johnson with the Raptors. He could be a solid rebounder at the PF spot.— 76er
- I'd trade Williams for a future draft pick and go after Reddick. And if Bosh signs in Miami, make an offer for Haslem. Starting 5: Holliday, Turner, Iggy, Haslem, and Hawes. Brand, Young, and Nocioni are the bench w/Speights and Green in reserve. At that point, they'd need a backup PG, so someone like Steve Blake could fit the bill.— beegal99
- Oops. Add Reddick to the guys off the bench.— beegal99
- Phillydude great question, How can the lakers get gasol for nothing, we overpaid for a hurt brand, the celtics get pierce, help in allen and Wallace , Garnett, we get Rodney Carney, I keep saying it please ed snider get a winner in the front office, find front office personal from the winning teams like san antonio, lakers, boston, not Ed Stefanski or loser coaches like jordan. you bring in, bring Pat Croce back to over see this team,— rocky1234
- They did have cap space, we used it on a player named Elton Brand coming off an ACL tear... Also, the Bulls were able to do that because they traded to a team that is not over the cap... Trading a big contract like Iggy, Elton, or even Lou might put a team over the cap limit which is illegal— wako1211
I can't see Denver doing doing as dumb as that. They might trade Melo, but for Dre I and Lou???????????? The only person dumb enough to make a trade like that is Harold Katz and he ain't in Denver. But we can dream I guess. Jrue, Turner, Melo, Barkley, Olajuwon.- This could be a prime opportunity to move Iggy with the potential for big names trading places. A sign and trade perhaps. More than anything Sixers will need a shot blocker to anchor the defense. I would sign Channing Frye.— Shenkman3
- Why would Carmelo ever want to come to the sixers, ha. It would be nice to have a legit star though wouldnt it— peteike
- Haslem would be a real nice fit. He is tough and skilled. He is way better than any option they currently have on the roster. Just on some random $hyt. I'm sitting here watching Wash v Cle on NBA tv. Maybe Eddie Jordan wasn't that bad a coach........ lol Naw dude sucked.
- Carmelo wouldnt have a choice where he's traded since he's under contract— wako1211
- I gotta beleive the Sixers have options with Iggy...He will only jam up the works and Young will never get to play. They should do a sign and trade with NY for David Lee PF/C 20&10 free agent (they may have to add a low salary player to that deal to make the numbers work so that Lee would get the money he's looking for, but I he would be a great addition to this young team.— K2cents
- Reddick is going to sign for the mid-level exception wherever one of the big free agents signs. I don't think he has much interest in sixer-ville.— mjb
- sixers need a rebounding big man and defender..j.j. redick is a joke NO defense or rebounding I would rather see k. korver than him. If they don't bring someone in who can defend and rebound look for a 34 win season and NO playoffs. stefanski should be released.— only 9
- They have to be thinking tough big men. The Sixers were eaten alive last year on the boards and became even softer with the Dalembert trade...They were bullied by some teams. If Sixers management goes into another season without addressing their need for big, physical tough guys that will defend the paint, then someone needs to be fired. Hint: His initials are E.S.— 21stCentury
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.
