The Philadelphia 76ers are looking to make a strong push into to the playoffs. But to do so, they may have to let go of veteran Jerryd Bayless.
It has been reordered that Esran Ilyasova is on the verge of finalizing a buyout with the Atlanta Hawks, and that the 76ers are likely to sign him once that happens. In order to bring Ilyasova on, the team will have to let go one of its players.
There is a strong case that the player to get the axe will be Bayless, per Derek Bodner of The Athletic Philadelphia.
Jerryd Bayless has fallen almost completely out of the rotation of late, first as a result of wrist soreness, and the last three games straight DNP-CD’s. There’s some overlap in skill sets and defensive roles (re: limitations) between Bayless and Marco Belinelli, and Bayless has struggled to contribute when his shot isn’t falling. Moving Bayless is a priority for the team, since clearing his $8.5 million off their books would help the Sixers get max cap space next summer. But that $8.5 million owed to Bayless means cutting him outright isn’t an option.
Getting Bayless' contract off the books will be a bit challenging for the 76ers. It makes the most sense to reach a buyout with him so they can be completely clear of his salary next season and at the time get the cap space they want.
But whether or not Bayless will be amenable to leaving money on the table is another story entirely. Bayless can still play, and can perhaps help another up-and-coming young team in need of some veteran leadership. At the same time, he is likely not to get much more than the veteran's minimum in the buyout market.
The 76ers, however, have made very smart moves lately. They will figure it out.
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