The Philadelphia 76ers once again lost in the second round of the NBA playoffs. Joel Embiid's numerous injuries hindered his impact and the Sixers simply couldn't do much outside of him. Another massively important offseason lies ahead, as do some intriguing free agents.
In the playoffs, the Sixers learned that James Harden is not the right co-star for Embiid. His reluctance to shoot in the second half of their elimination game is enough proof, but the wobbly body of work he put up in his entire Sixers tenure so far backs it up. Tyrese Maxey is perhaps the only non-Embiid Sixer who should undoubtedly be on the team next year. Everyone else should be up for grabs, if not out the door.
The Sixers need to make some big moves this offseason. They will most likely have to use the sign-and-trade to add players since their salary cap sheet is already filled heavily. Tyus Jones, Bradley Beal and Zach LaVine are three soon-to-be free agents that Philadelphia should look to add next to Embiid.
3 early Sixers targets in 2022 NBA free agency
3. Tyus Jones
The Sixers' bench is extremely unimpressive. Tyus Jones would not only be a strong sixth man but could elevate their bench unit as a whole.
Jones has shined as a backup for the Memphis Grizzlies, especially with Ja Morant's injury. His box-score numbers don't pop off the screen but his playmaking and shooting touch do. In 21.2 minutes per game this season, he averaged 8.7 points and 4.4 assists while shooting 39.0 percent from 3-point territory.
Bringing Jones off the bench would be huge for shooters like Georges Niang and Furkan Korkmaz. He would be huge for Shake Milton, who could benefit from his playmaking and focus more on scoring. Few free agents are as good as him and comfortable coming off the bench. He should also see some minutes with the starters.
2. Bradley Beal
Bradley Beal has been committed to the Washington Wizards for far too long. Now that he could finally have some control over where he goes, the Sixers should slap some sense into him and try to bring him into a playoff team.
Beal's scoring is highly impressive, as he has averaged over 30 points per game in two of the last three seasons. Imagine what having Embiid as a teammate could do for him. Although his wrist injury is something to watch, Beal is a fantastic scorer and solid playmaker.
The Sixers would have to use Tobias Harris in a sign-and-trade and most likely throw in a draft pick. Unfortunately, Philadelphia doesn't have many options. Because the Nets have the option between their 2022 and 2023 first-rounders, they're stuck with only one possible first-round pick to trade at the moment. If Philadelphia can persuade Beal to join, it may not be too hard to strike a deal with Washington.
1. Zach LaVine
This would be the dream scenario for the Sixers. No matter how unrealistic it may be, the franchise owes it to itself and Embiid to try its best to land Zach LaVine.
LaVine is one of the best scorers in the league. The two-time All-Star averaged 24.4 points and 4.5 assists per game with a true shooting percentage of 60.5 percent, which ranked 31st in the league. The fit with Embiid and level of talent are clear. The problem is that the Chicago Bulls, obviously, will do everything they can to bring him back.
Although the Bulls brought in a very talented core for LaVine, they also failed to get a contract extension done with him. The allure of playing with Embiid could be too much to pass up. The Sixers signing LaVine would be a grand slam.
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