The Philadelphia 76ers are entering the buyout market with an open roster spot, and some intriguing options could be on the table. The team has already made significant moves to shed salary and retool for the future.
One name that comes up is Lonzo Ball, who was recently waived by the Cleveland Cavaliers after struggling mightily in 35 games this season. Despite his limited shot-creation abilities, Ball's versatile two-way skillset could make him an attractive signing for a contender like the Sixers. The team's guard rotation has been bolstered with James Harden and Tyrese Maxey, but another ball-handler who can take on wing assignments on defense would be a valuable addition.
Another possibility is Haywood Highsmith, a 29-year-old two-way wing who was waived by the Brooklyn Nets this week. Highsmith left his time with the Sixers as a developmental piece but returned to the NBA and became a quality contributor. He's now healthy after a knee injury and could be brought in to provide depth behind Kelly Oubre Jr.
Georges Niang, another former Sixer, is also an option. Despite missing the entire season due to injury, Niang has the skills that would make him a valuable asset β including his ability to knock down three-pointers. If he's bought out by a Memphis team looking to pivot towards a youth movement, the Sixers could bring back a treasured presence in their locker room.
Khris Middleton is another veteran who could be on the market, but his time with the Dallas Mavericks has been marked by injuries and decreased production. The 34-year-old once played at an elite level but now poses significant risk as a signing.
Cam Thomas, who was recently waived by the Nets, seems like a bad fit for the Sixers given their depth in the backcourt. Thomas's reputation is built on his ability to score, but he has struggled with playing team-oriented basketball and would require significant changes from the Sixers' system.
Mike Conley returning to the Minnesota Timberwolves also seems unlikely, as that scenario is out of the Sixers' control. However, if Conley were available, his calm presence at backup point guard could be valuable.
Jevon Carter, a 30-year-old guard with defensive prowess and high-volume three-point shooting ability, could provide an attractive mix of skills for the Sixers. While he's not a playmaker, he can handle the ball in brief spurts if necessary.
Finally, Chris Boucher, who was recently waived by the Boston Celtics to Utah, has experience playing under head coach Nick Nurse and fits the Sixers' preferred archetype β someone capable of backing up Embiid or playing next to him. However, with the team's current depth behind center, adding another big player might not be the best use of a roster spot.
Ultimately, the Sixers will have some options in the buyout market, but they'll need to carefully assess which candidates align with their vision for the future and can contribute to a playoff push.
One name that comes up is Lonzo Ball, who was recently waived by the Cleveland Cavaliers after struggling mightily in 35 games this season. Despite his limited shot-creation abilities, Ball's versatile two-way skillset could make him an attractive signing for a contender like the Sixers. The team's guard rotation has been bolstered with James Harden and Tyrese Maxey, but another ball-handler who can take on wing assignments on defense would be a valuable addition.
Another possibility is Haywood Highsmith, a 29-year-old two-way wing who was waived by the Brooklyn Nets this week. Highsmith left his time with the Sixers as a developmental piece but returned to the NBA and became a quality contributor. He's now healthy after a knee injury and could be brought in to provide depth behind Kelly Oubre Jr.
Georges Niang, another former Sixer, is also an option. Despite missing the entire season due to injury, Niang has the skills that would make him a valuable asset β including his ability to knock down three-pointers. If he's bought out by a Memphis team looking to pivot towards a youth movement, the Sixers could bring back a treasured presence in their locker room.
Khris Middleton is another veteran who could be on the market, but his time with the Dallas Mavericks has been marked by injuries and decreased production. The 34-year-old once played at an elite level but now poses significant risk as a signing.
Cam Thomas, who was recently waived by the Nets, seems like a bad fit for the Sixers given their depth in the backcourt. Thomas's reputation is built on his ability to score, but he has struggled with playing team-oriented basketball and would require significant changes from the Sixers' system.
Mike Conley returning to the Minnesota Timberwolves also seems unlikely, as that scenario is out of the Sixers' control. However, if Conley were available, his calm presence at backup point guard could be valuable.
Jevon Carter, a 30-year-old guard with defensive prowess and high-volume three-point shooting ability, could provide an attractive mix of skills for the Sixers. While he's not a playmaker, he can handle the ball in brief spurts if necessary.
Finally, Chris Boucher, who was recently waived by the Boston Celtics to Utah, has experience playing under head coach Nick Nurse and fits the Sixers' preferred archetype β someone capable of backing up Embiid or playing next to him. However, with the team's current depth behind center, adding another big player might not be the best use of a roster spot.
Ultimately, the Sixers will have some options in the buyout market, but they'll need to carefully assess which candidates align with their vision for the future and can contribute to a playoff push.