20 things to look forward to this NBA offseason

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 10: Arizona forward Deandre Ayton (13) reacts to a call during the championship game of the mens Pac-12 Tournament between the USC Trojans and the Arizona Wildcats on March 10, 2018, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27: JJ Redick #17 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket against LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

10. If the Sixers can’t land LeBron, then what?

The Philadelphia 76ers are entering perhaps the most pivotal offseason in franchise history without a general manager. Not great, Bob!

Armed with upward of $25 million in salary-cap space, the Sixers figure to be legitimate contenders for LeBron James’ services in free agency. If they’re able to dump the remaining year of Jerryd Bayless’ contract without taking salary back in exchange and make one or two other minor moves, they’ll be able to offer James his full max salary of $35.35 million for this coming season.

But if James decides to take his talents elsewhere, where do the Sixers turn?

The logical option would be Paul George, whose two-way skill set would fit like a glove next to Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. If talks between Kawhi Leonard and San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich break down, the Sixers would assuredly consider him as a trade target as well, especially given the familiarity between him and Sixers head coach Brett Brown.

In all likelihood, however, striking out on James would mean a repeat of last offseason’s plan: handing out huge one-year contracts and rolling over cap space until next year. JJ Redick would be a veritable lock to return in this scenario, while any player disenchanted with the long-term offers he receives in a team-friendly free-agent market could decide to take a short-term cashout instead.

With Ben Simmons and Dario Saric soon due for extensions that would begin in 2020-21, the Sixers need to make their big free-agent splash either this summer or next. If they can’t land LeBron or Paul George, expect them to turn their attention to Jimmy Butler, Klay Thompson and the free-agent class of 2019.

Next: Does DeMarcus Cousins stay in New Orleans?

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