The Philadelphia 76ers will have cap space when the 2024 NBA offseason begins. The Sixers will most likely target the higher-profile free agents, but if they are unsuccessful, they may be better off filling their cap space through trade. Andrew Wiggins is one prospective player who meets those criteria.
Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report proposed a three-way trade involving the Sixers, Golden State Warriors, and Portland Trail Blazers, with Wiggins going to the Sixers. He proposed the following exchange in an April 24 story.
Sixers acquire: Wiggins, $1.1 million
Warriors acquire: Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams III
Trail Blazers acquire: Kevon Looney, No. 16 Pick, $22.5 Million Andrew Wiggins TPE, $4.4 million Robert Williams III TPE
Pincus discussed why Wiggins would appeal to the Sixers financially.
“Taking Wiggins into cap space for just the 16th selection is a steal for Philadelphia. The 29-year-old wing and 2014 No. 1 pick is signed for $84.7 million through 2026-27 (with a player option for the final season). That’s a much lesser price than George (almost 34) will demand to stay with the Clippers.”
He also stated that Wiggins may not be such a horrible option because it will not interfere with their cap issue significantly.
“Assuming the 76ers keep Paul Reed Jr., Philadelphia would still have around $33.3 million to spend elsewhere (before to re-signing Maxey) plus the extra mid-level exception (about $8 million). Wiggins would most likely replace Tobias Harris on the roster, with the remaining funds utilized to shop in free agency and/or retain players such as Kyle Lowry, Kelly Oubre Jr., Nicolas Batum, Buddy Hield, and De’Anthony Melton.”
Wiggins is in his second year of a four-year, $109 million contract.
Andrew Wiggins May Be ‘Best Available Wing’ for Sixers
Andrew Wiggins
Pincus went on to say that Wiggins may be interested in joining the Sixers because Paul George is expected to stay with the Los Angeles Clippers.
“While it is believed to be intended for Paul George, numerous NBA sources expect him to re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers. With a weak free-agent market, Wiggins could be the best available wing for Philadelphia.
George has a player option for the 2024-25 season, which he may or may not use. The Clippers have re-signed Kawhi Leonard but must deal with George and James Harden’s contract problems.
There are other free agents besides George, but as Pincus mentioned, the Sixers could sign Wiggins and keep flexibility.
Klay Thompson Floated as Sixers Target
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report discussed why the Sixers could consider adding Thompson. More particularly, how he would complement the Sixers’ top players.
“Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid provide ample usage, ball-handling, and creating. Thompson’s only role as a Sixer would be to move about off the ball and launch catch-and-shoot threes.
“If he maintained his volume and efficiency from this season, opponents would have to keep a watch on him outside. And that, by extension, should divert some attention away from the Maxey-Embiid two-man show,” Bailey said in an April 18 article.
Given Thompson’s age and injury history, the Sixers may sign him to a short-term contract while keeping their flexibility.
Leave a Reply