NBA free agency is only three days away and while all the attention is on where Kevin Durant may or may not go. The Philadelphia 76ers, however, are starting to make some noise on who they may target when free agency opens up.
Earlier this afternoon, it was reported by ESPN’s Marc Stein that the Sixers plan to be serious suitors for Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes. You can now add another player to the Sixers’ free agency wish list as according to Mike A. Scotto of Sheridan Hoops, the Sixers along with the Sacramento Kings are interested in Oklahoma City Thunder guard Dion Waiters.
Waiters, just like Barnes will be a restricted free agent on July 1. This is not a surprise that the Sixers are interested in Waiters as they are looking to add shooters and upgrade their backcourt. Waiters fills both of those needs.
This season, Waiters averaged 9.8 points, while shooting 39.9 percent from the field and 35.8 percent from three-point range.
In the playoffs, Waiters stepped his game up, helping the Thunder make it all the way to the Western Conference Finals. Waiters averaged 8.4 points, while shooting 41.7 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from three-point range.
After the Thunder got eliminated by the Warriors in seven games, it all but seemed like Waiters would be in OKC for a few more years. But on draft night, the Thunder traded Serge Ibaka to the Orlando Magic and acquired Victor Oladipo. With Oladipo now in the fold, along with Andre Roberson, who brings a defensive presence, it seems like Waiters may be the odd man out.
But how much would it cost for the Sixers to possibly acquire Waiters’ services from the Thunder? Since Waiters is a restricted free agent, the Sixers have to put in an offer sheet giving the Thunder a chance to match. You would have to think to get Waiters it will cost the Sixers upwards of $10 million plus. This isn’t bad considering that the salary cap is going up and that the Sixers have money to spend.
It will be interesting to see if the Sixers can bring the Philadelphia native home. If they can, they will be adding another young shooter to develop with this team.
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