14 Jun 2018 22:08:41
I want to take a look at the 76er's current situation and how to get past the Celtics to the finals.

1. TRADE:
Magic Receive Jarryd Bayless and #26 OVR 2018 draft pick.

76ers receive #41 OVR 2018 draft pick.

Thinking: Sixers are able to unload 8.576 million from their salary cap situation to be able to accommodate a max contract. Meanwhile the Magic are able to add a shooter that is still only 29. He's expensive for this year, but only has one year on his contract. He's better than Fournier and only half the price. In return for the extra salary, they're moving up 15 spots in the draft.

TRADE:
Cavaliers Receive Picks 10, 38, and 41
76ers Receive Pick 8

Thinking: Cavaliers begin to realize Dan Gilbert doesn't have the best relations with LBJ. It seems like a low ball offer, but mind yourself that the Cavs and Sixers are looking for two separate Archetypes. The Cavs should not worry about the Sixers or Knicks taking their big man they have their eyes on (with Porzingis and Embiid). In return for dropping two spots, they're put back into round 2 with options for cheap role players. **If this trade can't be completed than that's ok. I was trying to get the Sixers into the top 7 for Doncic, MPJ, Bamba, or Trae Young.**

Free Agency: ~39.5 million
Picking Up Team Options on McConnell and Holmes (1.6 mil each)

Plan A: Lebron James: I'd throw money at LBJ in hopes he'd teach the team how to win and perform in crunch time. The shortcoming of the Sixers was having a player they could turn to in the last 5 minutes in the game to take over. The weakest part of the team was the final quarter and this would work to solve it.

Plan B: Avery Bradley and Aaron Gordon: With around 36 million dollars to play with, I'd first throw money towards Avery Bradley. I think he's a much better fit. I'd be perfectly fine throwing 18-22 million towards Avery. He is the elite perimeter defender that they can use to put on the opposing guards on the Celtics, Warriors, and Rockets. He's a HUGE upgrade over JJ Reddick for this reason. Notice the athletic/strong guards dictated the playoff series with Boston. My other move would be trying to pry away Aaron Gordon or Julius Randle (if you can't pry them away, at least make the Lakers and Magic pay a pretty penny). That's the other element I think the Sixers are missing. Aaron Gordon can slide right in with Dario as backup power forward. I'd be willing to throw the remaining money at him. If I can't come up with the cap space to sign Aaron, I'd flirt the market for the package of Covington and the #8 pick (looking to move into 3-6 range).

Possible Starting Line Up:
PG: Markelle Fultz
SG: Avery Bradley
SF: Ben Simmons/Robert Covington
PF: Ben Simmons/Dario Saric
C: Joel Embiid

6th Man: Aaron Gordon
7th Man: TJ McConnell


My final analysis is that this team would have the shooting in Markelle and Avery to offset the inside game of Embiid and Simmons. The defense would be versatile with Bradley, Covington, Simmons, and Embiid. The height and athleticism on the inside wouldn't be changing much, so rebounding is still near the top of the NBA (Aaron Gordon doesn't hurt either).

Let me know what you guys think (if you like it I might try to fix another team)!

1.) 15 Jun 2018
15 Jun 2018 00:50:12
Okay a few things
1. Aaron Gordon would start
2. Avery Bradley is nowhere near worth 18-22 million a year! If it’s a 1yr 15m deal then that would be okay. But if it’s a multi-year deal, it should be about 3yr 30m.

2.) 15 Jun 2018
15 Jun 2018 00:56:50
You max off gordon to bench him? Lol.

3.) 15 Jun 2018
15 Jun 2018 03:34:06
My philosophy is to have him lead the second team. You can experiment with putting him in the first lineup, but medically I didn't want to push him. Let him get comfortable (and use that Philly medical system) to ensure he's healthy long term.

Also, talking contracts, I would be looking to front load them. Avery Bradley in my eyes is worth every penny of 18 million. See if he'd bite for a contract where we take half his total salary this year and spread the rest over the next two years for flexibility when resigning Simmons and Fultz.