GOOD NEWS: The Philadelphia 76ers must prioritize re-signing their top three players in the 2024 NBA free agency.

More than half of the Philadelphia 76ers’ roster will become unrestricted free agents during the 2024 offseason.

The Philadelphia 76ers face a significant roster turnover this summer, with 10 free agents set to enter the open market. Even factoring in players with options that could lead to unrestricted free agency, the Sixers lead the NBA in the number of impending free agents. As Daryl Morey aptly put it, this offseason promises substantial changes for the team’s roster.

During his end-of-season press conference, Morey specified Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Paul Reed, and Ricky Council IV as the players expected to return next season. Maxey, a restricted free agent, is anticipated to sign a new contract eventually, while Reed and Council are on deals that aren’t fully guaranteed. With Embiid being the only player with a guaranteed contract at the moment, the Sixers possess significant cap space to enhance their roster.

While the team certainly needs to acquire more reliable players, particularly on the wing, it doesn’t necessarily entail a complete overhaul of the supporting cast. There are numerous solid players who could be retained in similar or reduced roles with fresh contracts. However, there are also some players the team shouldn’t be overly concerned about losing.

Although the 76ers have more than three free agents they’d like to retain, there are three whom they should prioritize.

76ers should try to re-sign Nico Batum, Cam Payne and Kelly Oubre Jr.

Batum proved to be an invaluable asset for the 76ers, particularly following the James Harden trade, where he instantly showcased his value. Despite uncertainties surrounding his decision to continue playing in the NBA, given previous indications of retirement plans after the upcoming Olympics, the Sixers should make every effort to retain him if he opts to extend his career.

As a seasoned wing, Batum excelled in defending opposing top perimeter players and even some star centers, making notable contributions in crucial moments such as the play-in game against the Miami Heat. His passing abilities earned widespread praise as the best on the team, while his adeptness at shooting threes, even on the move with a fluid release, rendered him the ideal role player alongside the team’s stars.

However, it’s essential to manage Batum’s minutes more judiciously in the upcoming season, especially considering his age and recent injury history, which saw him miss several consecutive games at one point. Restricting his playing time to the low 20s or high teens and utilizing him as one of the primary substitutes off the bench would help preserve his freshness while still capitalizing on his exceptional talent.

While Batum remains capable of playing a significant role for the Sixers, they must avoid overreliance on him, as was occasionally the case last season. Therefore, for what would likely be a one-year deal if he opts to continue playing, Philadelphia should exert maximum effort to retain him while also integrating strategies to mitigate his workload.

Payne

When Payne initially joined the 76ers, it seemed he was primarily included as a contract-matching asset in the Patrick Beverley trade to the Milwaukee Bucks, yielding the Sixers a future second-round draft pick. However, once given the opportunity to play, including in playoff scenarios, Payne proved to be remarkably reliable.

Despite his smaller stature, Payne demonstrated his ability to make an impact in crucial moments and handle 15 to 20 minutes of playing time per game. His quickness, proficiency in the floater game, and capacity to shoot on the move rendered him a valuable backup option for Maxey. As a team defender, he maximized his contributions despite his slight frame, exhibiting tenacity in making off-ball plays and executing effective rotations. Additionally, his positive demeanor made him an excellent presence in the locker room.

Having signed a minimum contract last offseason, Payne is likely due for a salary increase, even if not on a multi-year deal. While the Sixers have other priorities, they should endeavor to retain Payne if the financial terms align. Given the team’s need for another perimeter ball-handler alongside Maxey, retaining Payne, who has already proven himself as a dependable backup, makes logical sense.

Oubre Jr. exceeded expectations following his minimum-contract signing with the Sixers, providing valuable contributions beyond what was initially anticipated. His athleticism proved beneficial in various contexts, particularly during the playoffs, where he performed admirably whether starting or coming off the bench. While his scoring output was inconsistent, he showcased moments of brilliance when he caught fire.

While Oubre can still be an asset for Philly, it’s advisable to transition him into a reserve or emergency starting role. Although his three-point shooting suffers without Embiid on the court, he still offers rim pressure and solid defense both on and off the ball. His three-point shooting percentage improved significantly with Embiid on the court, demonstrating his value within specific lineup configurations. Additionally, he displayed glimpses of playmaking ability off his drives, albeit with occasional decision-making lapses that hindered offensive flow.

The value of Oubre’s next contract remains uncertain, as his tenure with the Sixers undoubtedly boosted his stock. However, questions persist regarding his ability to replicate his performance elsewhere. Securing Oubre on the bench via a two- or three-year deal around $8 million per year would represent prudent business for the Sixers.

As for other free agents, the Sixers will inevitably face challenges in retaining all of them, a common occurrence in the NBA due to factors such as salary demands and role considerations. While players like KJ Martin, Robert Covington, De’Anthony Melton, Buddy Hield, Kyle Lowry, Jeff Dowtin Jr., Terquavion Smith, and Mo Bamba possess valuable skill sets, the team may need to make strategic decisions based on their roster priorities and available resources.

Ultimately, the 76ers must focus on upgrading their roster, particularly in acquiring athleticism on the wings and enhancing playmaking around Embiid and Maxey. While retaining some of their free agents could contribute to this goal, others may need to be let go or passed on to accommodate necessary roster adjustments.