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.
Comments (48)
JJ Reddick? What do we need him for? Don't we still have our resident, bench-riding 3 point shooter. Isn't the guy we just got from Sac-Town a 3 point shooter?- Who cares? Unless they can dump Iggy or Brand, they will be very quiet this offseason. I did hear Iggy, Williams and a 2011 #1 to Denver for Carmelo, who is in the last year of his deal. That could be interesting....— mpt29
- Reddick is a winner and can shoot the ball...I think he is a nice addition and would provide something this team is lacking, toughness, grit and shooting.— jamesdowntown
- I can see Collins wanting to make a run at Reddick ... He has definitely turned himself into a solid pro— azsixerfan
- What's up with the early termination of Willie Green's contract???? I keep seeing it but hear nothing about it. Is he gone? Please let it be true. Reddick & Haslem would be a come up if we could snag either one. We need another young 7 footer or a big-time rebounder. I think Meeks can backup Ev Turner. But you can never have enough shooters.— XmarksTheSpot
- Let Elston and Carney go without a fight. Trade Iggy for Brook Lopez.— CBent1
Pretty sure it's Nowitzki, guys, not Nowitski. Count me in the Reddick camp. He's a more skilled version of Kapono.— jpk- They should sign Shaq.— Big Ragu
- NJ would never do Iggy for Lopez. Plus, the salaries wouldn't match up.— jpk
Carmelo??? hmmmmmmmm. interesting. Would denver do that??!! WHERE DID YOU READ THAT DUDE! Mpt29 I DONT RECOGNIZE YOUR NAME.. If riley does not sign boozer or bosh would he consider brand?— combocancer1975- combocancer1975, actually the nuggets are considering trading melo because he may not accept their 3 year 66.01 mil extension and many are reporting that Denver is ready to trade Melo. I haven't heard that rumor, but Mpt where did you hear that?— wako1211
- They were taling about trade possabilities concerning Carmello because he has 1 year left and wont extend with Denver, so Denver may be forced to deal him sooner then later if they want value, but the team that gets him would have to be guarenteed to sign him. and they wouldnt trade him for Iggy williams and a No1. there will be alot of sign and trade posabilities like Peirce or Novitski out there for Denver so Philly would never be an option.— Dparente
- Not firing Stefanski has been one of the biggest blunders in recent memory. I like the new coach and new draft pick, but his decision to pass on this free agency period in favor of keeping Igudola and Brand is a freaking greek tragedy. Unlike any other sport, the NBA is about having one of the top 4 best players in the league and teaming him with another allstar caliber talent. If you don't have one of those, you RARELY win a title. Right now, the two best young players in the NBA not named Kevin Durant (LBJ and Wade) are free agents, and a whole case of all-stars are available. Maybe neither LBJ nor Wade comes to Philly, but its worth the shot right? Maybe Bosh doesn't come either. But what about the second tier? Carlos Boozer? Joe Johnson? Amare Stoudemire? Any of these players are better than what we have. Golden opportunity missed to say the least.— IgglesPhitinPhils3
- Dparente, why its not like Melo has a no trade clause... The Nuggets can send him anywhere and believe me, the Nuggets in that deal get a fair deal in return because as a 2nd option to a ty lawson or chauncy and with the talent they have, he fits in well at a position they could use. Plus, if Melo isnt gunna re-sign anyway, why would you keep him for a year just to gain nothing?— wako1211
- Why is it the Sixers Never have any cap space - while the Celtics and the Lakers can put together All Star teams? Why can Chicago can trade Kirk Hinrich for a draft pick to clear cap space - but the when the Sixers trade somebody - they have to take equal salary back?— phillydude
- 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
- Every time the they sign these "perfect fit" guys they end up as worthless bench warmers.— PuPuMan
- Oooooo Trade or Cut ties with Brand and get a good defender Like Amar'e Stoudimire or a versatile Forward like Dirk.— Gotenks
- This bothers me, but it IS true. The newbie needs a year to get accustomed to the league, and DC needs to see...really KNOW what kind of player(s) will be needed following next season. Then it should be full speed ahead with getting the folks to GET A CHAMPIONSHIP, and not just "improve" somewhat.— TBear
- DAMMIT TRADE FOR TURKOGLU HE'LL SOLVE ALL OUR THREE POINT PROBLEMS!!! or SIGN RAY ALLEN FROM FREE AGENCY!!!!!— Gotenks
- DAMMIT TRADE FOR TURKOGLU HE'LL SOLVE ALL OUR THREE POINT PROBLEMS!!! or SIGN RAY ALLEN FROM FREE AGENCY!!!!!— Gotenks
- phillydude, it's because the Sixers are at the cap already (or in the luxury cap area) meaning they can only trade salary for salary. Chicago already had cap room available and therefore can trade a player for a pick. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong but I think that's how it works.— cg
- phillydude, it's because the Sixers are at the cap already (or in the luxury cap area) meaning they can only trade salary for salary. Chicago already had cap room available and therefore can trade a player for a pick. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong but I think that's how it works.— cg
- Gotenks, you can't just cut Brand, he'd still count against the cap.— cg
- JJ Redick is a hot player, he can shoot the lights out!— lukebonbon
- It's actually Elson not Elston.— Tough* Juice*
- Part of the problem would be in that fantasy Melo trade would be contingent upon him signing an extension with Philly, and why would he do that when he wont with denver which is a superior team.— Dparente
- Part of the problem would be in that fantasy Melo trade would be contingent upon him signing an extension with Philly, and why would he do that when he wont with denver which is a superior team. and phillydude, You can make a trade and not take equal salary in return when you have cap space to take on whatever you are trading for. if not it has to be within I believe 10 percent.— Dparente
- Part of the problem would be in that fantasy Melo trade would be contingent upon him signing an extension with Philly, and why would he do that when he wont with denver which is a superior team. and phillydude, You can make a trade and not take equal salary in return when you have cap space to take on whatever you are trading for. if not it has to be within I believe 10 percent.— Dparente
- And the Original AI is also an UFA. Join "Sixers Fans For Change" on Facebook.— ArtMooney
- melo is my dude. dont play games. The first wagon has filled to capacity I see. We need another one. Iguodala for DAVID LEE!!??? omfg! NO!— combocancer1975
- 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
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About this blog
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.
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