Assuming the Sixers will look into the possibility of trading Tobias Harris and his 180 Million dollar contract, and end up signing James Harden long term, these are the top 10 free agents that the Sixers should target this summer.
10. Carmelo Anthony - The Los Angelas Lakers could make drastic roster changes if their season ends early, which is looking more and more likely. If the Lakers take a future driven approach, they may look to move on from veterans such as LeBron, Anthony Davis, and Carmelo Anthony. Carmelo Anthony is exactly what the Sixers bench unit needs. Melo has the ability to be a spot up catch and shoot player off the ball, and can still isolate on the block creating instant offense while the starters rest. If Melo for some reason decides to leave L.A. this summer, the Sixers could absolutely use his skillset to complement their stars.
9. Nicolas Claxton - Nicolas Claxton has played much better next to James Harden in his career, providing a lob threat pick and roll partner for Harden when they were in Brooklyn together. Claxton and Harden could run a two man pick and roll game while Embiid rests. Claxton is very young with potential to get stronger and become more of a defensive anchor. Claxton has the potential to help Harden run the Sixers offense when Embiid rests. Nicolas Claxton this year is averaging 8.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 20 minutes per game.
8. Bobby Portis - If Bobby Portis is available for the right price, he could play backup to Joel as a small ball 5, or play the 4 with Embiid. Portis has transformed himself into an elite 3 point shooter hitting 40% of his 3s and is shooting 5 threes a game this season. Bobby Portis played a significant role in the Bucks championship run last year providing elite spacing for Giannis and a competitive energy. This season Bobby Portis is averaging 14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and hitting 40% of his 3s.
7. T.J. Warren - T.J. Warren is a forward who provides decent shooting and defense while being able to fit a complementary role in an offense. The last time T.J Warren was healthy was in the summer of 2020 where in the the Orlando bubble he scored 53 points on 20-29 shooting against the Sixers. T.J is another one of the solid depth players on the market that would greatly benefit playing off of Joel Embiid and James Harden. In his last full season, Warren averaged 19.8 points, and 4.2 rebounds while shooting 40% from 3 point range. If the Sixers wish to compete, acquiring talented rotational players must be prioritized.
6. Louis Williams - If Lou Williams doesn't retire, he would be a solid depth piece for the Sixers guard rotation. The Sixers notoriously lack depth and bench scoring. Lou Williams has averaged over 10 points per game in 18 straight seasons prior to this season. Shake Milton, Furkan Korkmaz, and Isaiah Joe have not shown the consistent ability to create their own shot off the dribble. Lou Williams can come off the bench and create instant offense while having off ball ability as well. Lou would be able to end his career where it started and provide scoring off the bench that the Sixers so desperately lack. Lou Williams this year is averaging 6.5 points, and 1.9 assists while shooting 37% from 3 in 14 minutes per game.
5. Hassan Whiteside - If McGee and Robinson don't end up with the Sixers, a consolation prize could come in the form of Hassan Whiteside. Hasan Whiteside is 7ft tall with a 7ft 7 inch wingspan, allowing him to be an elite rim protector while he's on the floor. Although he gets overshadowed by the defensive lure of Rudy Gobert, Whiteside can provide the defensive anchor needed when Embiid is on the bench to keep the Sixers competitive for a couple minute stretches. Upgrading the backup center position and adding significant depth must be a top priority for the Sixers regardless of what happens in the playoffs. This season, Whiteside is averaging 8.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 18 minutes per game.
4. Javale McGee - Javale McGee is another intriguing option to backup Joel Embiid. McGee will be going on 35 years old next year, but still has the elite agility required to rim run, and defend the pick and roll in space, while having the strength to hold his own against other 7 footers. McGee fits his role perfectly in Phoenix supporting the bench unit of the NBAs best team. This year McGee is averaging 9.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in just 16 minutes per game.
3. Robert Covington - Robert Covington is the classic 3 and D wing that any team would love to have. The Sixers lack defensive wing players who can guard the elite wings of the modern NBA such as Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and more. Robert Covington provides elite level defense while on offense being a decent 3 point shooter. Covington is averaging 8 points on 36% from 3 while averaging 1.3 blocks and 1.5 steals per game. Covington would add much needed depth for the Sixers, although he could also start depending on the matchup.
2. Mitchell Robinson - After trading away Andre Drummond, the Sixers have not found a consistent backup center that can move in space while being an offensive threat near the rim. Deandre Jordan and Paul Millsap have shown to be inconsistent. Mitchell Robinson has the potential to be a solid backup for Joel Embiid. He is 7 ft tall and has agile lateral movement skills to defend well in space, while at the same time having the size and strength to defend other 7 footers decently. Mitchell Robinson would be the Ideal backup for Joel Embiid, and could run the pick and roll with Harden while on the court. Mitchell Robinson is averaging 8.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and an impressive 1.8 blocks in just 26 minutes per game.
Bradley Beal - Beal is a long shot for a few reasons. He is eligible for a supermax contract extension that could pay him upwards of 245 million dollars over 5 years if he declines his player option. In addition, there is speculation of Beal having interest in joining the Miami Heat as well. Prominent former NBA player Andrew Bogut suggested Beal has interest in Joining the Sixers. If a sign and trade would be necessary, the Sixers would have to give up either Tyrese Maxey, or Matisse Thybulle. Adding Beal however instantly elevates the Sixers offense to one of the best in the NBA as Beal is an elite scorer and shooter who can play off the ball with ease. In 40 games this season, Beal has averaged 23 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds. The prior two seasons Beal averaged over 30 points per game.
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