The Philadelphia 76ers shocked everybody this season by taking a huge leap of quality amid Ben Simmons debut, winning 50+ games just a couple of seasons after they were roughly able to get 10 wins all year long.
This team looks like a dynasty in the making and the process seems to be running and gunning for sure, with Simmons and Embiid both looking like franchise players and Dario Saric also proving that he was definitely worth the wait.
Nonetheless, they lacked true veteran leadership that could lift them when things got difficult against the Celtics, and even though they’re reportedly going to be quite aggressive to try and get LeBron James, they’re unlikely to have a real shot at signing him.
So, who could they pursue if they don’t get LeBron? In order to make a run at nice players, they would have to trade away Bayless and perhaps Robert Covington, so let’s take a look at 5 potential sign candidates for the Sixers.
5. Julius Randle
Julius Randle is quite unlikely to stay put with the Los Angeles Lakers, as the team is going to save as much money as they can in order to make a run at DeMarcus Cousins and LeBron James during the summer.
Randle could be a major force down low next to Joel Embiid and has the youth, grit and upside that would make Sixers fans fall in love with him right away, while Dario Saric would play as the team’s backup PF.
4. Trevor Ariza
Trevor Ariza is unlikely to re-sign with the Houston Rockets as the team will also have some cap spaces and need to make several moves in order to keep both Paul and Capela and also try to make a run at LeBron.
Ariza could play at both the 2 or the 3 and is one of the best 3 and D players in the league, something they would desperately need if they’re forced to part ways with Robert Covington to clear some salary off their books.
3. Avery Bradley
Avery Bradley struggled most of the season but he’s a terrific defender able to defend both guard spots and even some small forwards, not to mention he’s a streaky shooter from all three levels that could really contribute.
Also, he would thrive with the possibility of playing for a contender once again, and he should be available with a mid-level contract that would come very handy for a team with tight pockets as the 76ers.
2. Paul George
Well, in order to get George and one more superstar, they need to clean the salary cap, but it would definitely be worth it and they would instantly become a contender in the East with that deadly big three.
Also, George is one of the league’s best wing stoppers and would help ease a lot of pressure off Simmons’ shoulders in the defensive end of the hardwood, although he’s going to have to need a lot of convincing to sign with them.
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1. Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard is a lock to leave the San Antonio Spurs this offseason and the Sixers are one of the few teams with enough assets to make an offer for him, and landing the Klaw would make them by far the best team in the Eastern Conference.
In order to get him, they’d have to trade Covington, Saric, Fultz and maybe even their 10th overall pick, but it would definitely be worthy and they’d be a lock to win a Championship within the next 2 or 3 years for sure.
