Sixers must sort out some burning summer issues

With the draft behind them, the 76ers enter phase two of this crucial off-season: the free-agency period. However, without much salary-cap room, they are not likely to bid for elite free agents.

Still, there are several important issues facing the team before training camp begins in October. Free-agent negotiations began yesterday, although players cannot be signed until July 11.

Here are some of the key summertime issues facing the Sixers:

Andre Iguodala's new deal. Now entering his fourth season, Iguodala is the cornerstone of the franchise. As part of his initial contract, Iguodala is locked in this season at $2.8 million.

Iguodala averaged 18.2 points, 5.7 assists and 5.7 rebounds last season. (Only Iguodala, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Tracy McGrady averaged at least 18 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.)

With a new deal, the Sixers would retain his rights for next year before Iguodala could become a free agent. Signing Iguodala to an extension would show the fans a commitment to one of the game's bright young players. Word is that the Sixers want to get an extension done quickly.

What about free agents? With a team payroll of about $65 million - not counting the recent addition of the draft choices - the Sixers won't be spending money aimlessly in free agency. This is a weak class, and the 2008 group is much stronger.

After the 2007-08 season, when a total of $26 million for the salaries of Chris Webber and Aaron McKie come off the books, the Sixers should be well under the salary cap.

The NBA's salary cap last season was $53.13 million; the luxury tax was $65.4 million. The numbers for next season will be announced in mid-July.

The one free agent the Sixers hope to sign now is their own - power forward Joe Smith. He was considered nothing more than an expiring contract when he was acquired in the Allen Iverson trade, but Smith proved to be a valuable contributor on the court and a mentor to the young players in the locker room.

According to a Sixers official, president and general manager Billy King spoke to the agents for Iguodala and Smith shortly after 12:01 a.m. yesterday, when teams were able to begin negotiations.

Trade talk. King has said that this likely won't be the final roster the Sixers take into training camp.

The Sixers could try to deal for Chinese power forward Yi Jianlian, who was selected sixth by Milwaukee in Thursday's draft. If Yi's representatives balk at going to Milwaukee, the Sixers, who attempted to acquire Yi on draft night, could be back in the picture.

What about Larry? The contract of Larry Brown, the Sixers' executive vice president for basketball operations, expired Saturday. When asked whether Brown would be back, King sidestepped the issue, saying he was still wading through the draft and setting up summer-league plans.

Having someone with Brown's knowledge would be a benefit to any organization, but if the team starts slowly this season, speculation would begin about whether the Hall of Famer should replace coach Maurice Cheeks.

Summer league. This will be an important summer league for the Sixers' four rookies - Georgia Tech's Thaddeus Young, Colorado State's Jason Smith, Vanderbilt's Derrick Byars and Providence's Herbert Hill - but it is also crucial for Rodney Carney, last year's No. 1 pick. Carney had an inconsistent rookie season.

It will be important as well for third-year guard Lou Williams to show that his play at the end of the season, when he scored in double figures in five of the final six games, was no fluke.