Its been another crazy start to the NBA free agency season, and we’ve seen some blockbuster moves. The Philadelphia 76ers have been one of the most talked about teams this offseason after a 52 win season that landed them the three seed in the East many pegged them as a hot spot for the biggest free agent names. However this past weekend we saw those names come and go with Lebron James signing a 4 year 154 million dollar contract with the Lakers and Paul George signing a 4 year 137 million dollar deal to stay with Russel Westbrook in Oklahoma City. Obviously, Philly missed out on these two superstars that were up for grabs and have been relatively quiet with the exception of resigning JJ Redick to another 1-year deal worth 12 million.
The Sixers were also thought of to be favorites in trading for disgruntled San Antonio star Kawhi Leonard. Philly’s front office made it clear that their core three of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Markelle Fultz were untouchable. The Spurs asking price for Kawhi was rumored to be two players and three first-round picks, which makes it seem like the possibility of Leonard coming to the City of Brotherly Love almost zero.
So should the Sixers begin to shift their focus elsewhere? Recent rumors from around the league have talked about Minnesota star Jimmy Butler being a possible target for a blockbuster trade. Butler recently stated that he has no intentions of re-signing with the Timberwolves after this season due to the lack of effort with the team’s young core including Karl Anthony-Towns. If I were the Sixers I think you have to go after Butler considering that you laid a complete egg this offseason. If they have any chance of beating the Celtics, who are without a doubt the best team in the East right now you need to do something. If Minnesota would take Covington, the Miami pick and maybe another asset that’s the ideal situation. A line up of Ben Simmons, JJ Redick, Jimmy Butler, Dario Saric, and Joel Embiid might be enough to get by Boston, especially with the added potential that comes from Markelle Fultz coming off the bench. Let’s go Philly pull the trigger and give us Jimmy! TRUST THE PROCESS.
