NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 offseason targets for the Philadelphia 76ers

The Process continues for the 76ers now that they have added Markelle Fultz to their youthful core. What players should Philadelphia pursue in free agency to build around its young stars?

The 2017 NBA Draft marked the end of the first phase of “The Process” in Philadelphia. Amidst signs and one fantastic jersey supporting former GM Sam Hinkie, the 76ers selected Markelle Fultz with the first overall pick.

After four grueling seasons of unprecedented losing with some scarring low points, the Sixers are riding an emotional high into free agency. In Fultz, Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, Philadelphia has a foundation of three young stars that it will look to construct a championship team around. The second phase of The Process, building a contender, starts now.

The 76ers have a few sizable cap holds on their books. They will most likely renounce Tiago Splitter and Sergio Rodriguez though, which would free $20 million from the salary sheet. If Philly chooses to waive the non-guaranteed deal of Gerald Henderson it would open up $9 million more in space. The Sixers can have up to $50 million in cap room this summer.

Although they have a ton of young players still on their rookie deals, the Sixers are going to start dealing with extensions soon. Embiid, who has only played 31 games in three years, is going to be eligible for a contract extension this summer. This team could get expensive very quickly. The Sixers have a window to add free agent talent over the next few years. The 2018 and 2019 offseasons could be especially critical; by then the front office will have a better sense of its stars’ talents and potential ceiling, and Philly could become an attractive free agent destination.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though. The Sixers have a few big needs on this team, the most notable of which is reliable shooting on the offensive end. They must be responsible about how they spend the boatload of cash at their disposal this summer though. Committing big money on long-term deals at this point in the The Process would probably be imprudent. They generally should pursue short term deals that don’t hinder future flexibility. Here are the top free agents that Philadelphia should consider signing this summer.