5 Free Agents The Sixers Should Target NOT Named Lebron James

Lebron is not coming. The painful truth about a pipe dream we have chased for over a year is coming to light just days before the beginning of free agency. While I still believe Philly is far and away the best option for Lebron, I still don’t think he ends up here. Is dipping to Los Angeles the right move? No. But that is move that is going to happen. The writing is on the wall like blood when the Chamber of Secrets was opened at Hogwarts. I am not sure how they pull this LA Stardom Squad off, but a lot of smart people are going to make sure that it happens. Chris Paul (somehow), Lebron and probably Paul George will be the main attractions at Staples Center. When it happens, the sun will come up the following day for the Sixers. This summer isn’t the end of their run, it’s truly the beginning. Here are some guys they could realistically add now while still building for a bright future:

5) Will Barton: Guard / Unrestricted 

This guy has the potential to be the biggest non-star wild card in free agency. He has carved out a well-defined role for himself in this league as a bucket getter off the bench but also averaged over four assists this past season. A player who can create for himself as well as others off the dribble is exactly what the Sixers were lacking last season, especially in their playoff series with the Celtics. He would be a better scorer as well as defender off the bench that would be plugged into Marco Bellinell’s minutes. The fact that JJ Redick is a free agent and isn’t a surefire resign makes Barton’s potential role even more intriguing. Why he is a wild card is because of the wide variety of teams that would be giving him a call. Lesser teams like the Phoenix Suns could throw him a contract because they have money to spend but would not be contenders. An actual contender like the Sixers could give him a large number but a small amount of years. The Nuggets would obviously love to keep him but they do not have the financial flexibility that other teams do. For the Sixers, they need to weed through the bidders and get Barton on short term deal at a higher number, similar to the deal JJ Redick received this past season. That type of contract would allow the 76ers to build for the future while plugging in the scoring help they need now.

4) Kyle O’Quinn – Center / Unrestricted

O’Quinn opted out of the final year of his contract with the New York Knicks over a week ago, officially making him a free agent. O’Quinn barely put the pen to paper to make it official and Woj was already reporting that the center and the Warriors had mutual interest due to the fact they were a contender. Golden State has got to run out of money at some point, right? Right? Kyle, just come to the Sixers. I can’t promise you the inevitable championship Golden State can, but you’ll make more money here and win more games than you were in New York. Whether Philly lands Lebron, or any star for that matter this summer, back-up center will remain a pressing need. I know Amir Johnson just won that Good Job, Good Effort award but you gotta ask how much is left in the tank there. O’Quinn would certainly be an upgrade in that role.

3) Nerlens Noel – Center / Unrestricted

Oh, come on, you have to admit it would at least be a little funny. Even if it was to spurn Bryan Colangelo. Look, we loved him when he was here to the point we probably overvalued him. It doesn’t seem to be working out for him anywhere and talent has never been an issue. Always a red flag when that is the case. If Brett Brown is done with him, then that’s that. But, we always saw the potential rim protecting / roll guy he could be. Maybe worth a shot?

2) Tyreke Evans – Guard / Unrestricted 

See Barton, Will. Guy who can score for himself and create for others. There were trade rumors swirling with Evans before and there will be free agency rumors swirling with him now.

1) Paul George – Small Forward / Unrestricted 

Is there a word more extreme than ‘long-shot’? It has always been staying in Oklahoma City or finally going to Los Angeles. I get that, but there is no better fit for PG than Philadelphia. This LA superteam will probably work out but that Lakers roster without it, is not a fortuitous situation. There needs to be so many moving parts to turn the Lakers roster into that something even remotely close to testing the Warriors. Just plug George into the starting lineup of the 76ers and it’s possibly the best roster in the East. Think about it, PG.