As the NBA Finals are just a few days away, the Celtics and the Mavs are occupying all the headlines. However, off the court, Daryl Morey and Co. are not staying behind. The Philadelphia 76ers have the second-largest projected cap space with more than $61 million, behind the Detroit Pistons. Hence, many big names, including LeBron James, Paul George, and Jimmy Butler, are heavily linked to Morey’s side.

Although Bron will most likely stay with the Lakers, Clippers’ Paul George is in a dilemma between family and money with his mother being from LA. He’s also stuck a deep bond with his fans. Steve Ballmer and the Clippers are reportedly unwilling to pay him more than Kawhi Leonard, who was recently handed a 3-year $152 million extension by the LA side. Meanwhile, the 76ers are willing to offer PG13 around $212 million. It seems like a really tough decision. However, there’s another problem for the Sixers should they sign George. if the 76ers sign the Clipper, they will have the 2 most injury-prone superstars on their roster: Joel Embiid and PG. Although PG turned up for playoffs after a while for the LA side, JE’s injury cost his team heavily in the first playoff round.

Certainly, Morey will be taking a huge risk with both the players’ destructive patterns. One thing is for sure, an Embiid backup is vital for the Philly side if they want to cross the hurdle in the Eastern Conference. As per reports from Spotrac, a few big men have emerged as possible candidates; Andre Drummond and Jonas Valanciunas. Drummond (6’11) previously played for the 76ers in the 2021-22 season.

Certainly, the Chicago Bulls Center won’t mind going back. Meanwhile, the Pelicans Center Valanciunas is listed as the other option. Drummond and the 32-year-old Center could certainly make them a contender in the East.

Are the Philadelphia 76ers the worst place for Free Agents?

In an episode of Gil’s Arena podcast, Agent Zero claimed, “I mean how many top free agents actually went to Philly? Yeah, so they can use Embiid all they want. It’s Philadelphia themselves. A lot of top free agents don’t go to certain cities so that’s already hurting the team”. However, Arenas emphasized that Jimmy Butler‘s return to the 76ers could be the best fit for the team, even more than LeBron James or Paul George. Bron has a player option with the Lakers. Reportedly, many think he will opt out and then sign a $162 million extension with the same side.

Interestingly, King James was also close to signing with the Sixers back in 2o18. He had grown frustrated with the Cavs’ incompetence and the Sixers were one of the many destinations he met while searching for a new franchise.

The 76ers will have $8 million plus room exception alongside $61 million in cap space. Also, they have a projected luxury tax space of $113.9 million, which is way below the first apron. In short, Morey has the chance to give Tyrese Maxey the max, while signing a few big names in the summer. Although there were certain notions about free agents going to Philly, Morey will do everything in his power to sign some big names to the 76ers, maybe apart from James Harden.

Who do you think will join the Philadelphia 76ers in the summer? Let us know in the comments.

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.