June 29, 2016
Buckle up, y’all. The Sixers are going to be linked with a lot of free agents that play on the perimeter over the next few days.
We learned yesterday that the Sixers reportedly are “serious suitors” for Golden State swingman Harrison Barnes, and now they’re also rumored to be interested in a few more targets.
First, from Michael Scotto of the Associated Press, we have Oklahoma City Thunder guard and Philly native Dion Waiters:
The Philadelphia 76ers and Sacramento Kings have interest in Oklahoma City Thunder restricted free agent Dion Waiters, per league sources.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 28, 2016
Next, via ESPN’s Ian Begley, is Portland Trailblazers shooter Allen Crabbe:
The 76ers, Nets and Kings are among the teams interested in Portland restricted free agent Allen Crabbe, sources say.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 29, 2016
Both players are restricted free agents, but the events of the past week make it likelier that Waiters will be gettable. The Thunder acquired Magic shooting guard Victor Oladipo (a better and cheaper player for another year) in a draft night trade that sent Serge Ibaka to the Magic.
The Blazers have a good bit of cap space, which means they’ll likely match any semi-reasonable offer for Crabbe although they do have to worry about paying most improved player C.J. McCollum next year. Unfortunately for the Sixers, Crabbe is the player you would probably rather slot next to Ben Simmons with his career 38.5 percent three-point shooting. Of the two, I would be more confident in him stepping into an off-ball role
Waiters, who should be applauded for the work he’s done in the community, played well at times off the bench in the playoffs for OKC. Still, finding that role and playing within himself on a young Sixers team would seem like a tough ask.
Follow Rich on Twitter: @rich_hofmann
