NBA Free Agency: Despite Daryl Morey’s Assurance, Alex Rodriguez & Timberwolves Could Steal 31YO 76ers Star to Salvage Financial Crisis

As we approach the off-season, front offices have already started planning their next step to improve their roster. Among those teams are the Philadelphia 76ers who are reportedly seeking to sign a max-level player and add another superstar alongside Embiid and Maxey. But Daryl Morey also has another decision to make as their sharpshooter Buddy Hield is entering free agency this summer. While Morey still claims to have faith in Hield’s abilities, his free agency could be a golden opportunity for Alex Rodriguez to swoop in and end Minnesota’s problems.

When the Sixers acquired Hield during the mid-season trade deadline, no one was happier with this decision than Daryl Morey himself. “We feel like we got the best player at the trade deadline that was traded.” He claimed. However, the eventual reality was far from Morey’s expectations. Playing the majority of games without Embiid due to his injury, Hield’s presence did not help the Sixers win many games.

And making his playoff debut this season despite an eight-year career, Hield’s performance only got worse as he averaged only 5.5 points in the four games he played. And suddenly, Morey no longer felt that Hield was the correct fit in Philly, “At no fault of Buddy’s the fit was less good than I thought… I thought when Joel was back that his impact and his shooting, that he’d get more open shots. He didn’t.” Regardless, Morey was not reluctant about re-signing Hield and bringing him back next season, “I do think going forward it still could work depending on the players that are around Joel and Tyrese.” But his return might not be that easy, as Hield will have more suitors keeping an eye on him.

Buddy Hield could solve the Timberwolves’ problem

While Morey has left the door open for Hield, and even the veteran guard has shown interest in returning to Philly despite a disappointing season, his talents might interest other teams as well. And on top of that list could be the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are currently amid a huge financial crisis. Yes, the whole league is rejoicing because of the new media rights deal, which is reportedly worth $76 billion and spans ten years. That’s because it will increase every team’s salary cap by ten percent, likely making it $155 million in the upcoming seasons.

But A-Rod and the crew already owe $145 million to their three main superstars, Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Karl-Anthony Towns. Moreover, based on their active payroll of nine players, they would be liable to $31 million in tax bills despite the cap hike. What’s worse is that they still need more players to complete that roster. Therefore, some big moves might be needed to solve this problem. And the addition of Buddy Hield, while also shedding the contract of one of their superstars, could get A-Rod out of this hole.

While their two big men lineup worked great in the regular season and in the first few rounds, it fell apart against the Mavs in the West Finals. So, the Wolves could consider parting ways with either KAT or Rudy and maybe making a trade with Philly while also signing Buddy Hield. Being a career 40 percent shooter from deep, Hield could be a great addition alongside Ant-Man and the crew. Meanwhile, the Wolves can lower their salaries with this move.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow in what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.