Community Shootaround: Big Move in Philly?

Do they still trust the process in Philadelphia?

That’s the question to be addressed this summer for the Sixers, who are in position to grow into one of the East’s dominant teams over the next decade. With Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons serving as franchise cornerstones, another young talent in Dario Saric, the top pick in last year’s draft in Markelle Fultz and a probable lottery pick coming from the Lakers, the Sixers can stand pat this summer and still be assured of a bright future.

They also have the assets and the cap flexibility to take the opposite approach. Philadelphia is reportedly high on the list of possible destinations for LeBron James, and it wouldn’t take much cap tinkering to open enough cap room to offer a max contract. Philadelphia has roughly $67.4MM in committed salary for next season, which rises to about $70.6MM if the non-guaranteed contracts of T.J. McConnell and Richaun Holmes are both picked up. With a projected cap of $101MM, it would only take a minor move or two for the Sixers to be able to meet LeBron’s asking price.

If James goes elsewhere, Philly is position to trade for a third star. If San Antonio can’t work things out with Kawhi Leonard, an offer centered around Saric, Fultz and the Lakers’ pick could be enough to at least get the Spurs’ attention.

Even though their season ended in disappointment, there may be no team better positioned for the future than the Sixers. They can keep what they have or swing for the fences, and they figure to be among the top teams in the Eastern Conference either way.

What would you do? Would you let Simmons and Embiid develop as team leaders or try to rush the process and add another star? Jump into the comments section below and give us your feedback.

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