The 2017 NBA free agency period has gotten off to a hot start, with many exciting acquisitions and rumors that have set up for a fantastic 2017-18 NBA season. The Paul George trade to Oklahoma City Thunder not only created more chaos in the west, but also created a wide open race for the east.
Emerging teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers are on the rise, making solid selections throughout the NBA Draft to bolster their talent. The ‘Trust the Process’ mantra in Philly officially reached a climax when the 76ers drafted Markelle Fultz, to pair alongside Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.
However, the 76ers entered 2017 free agency with roughly $50 million to spend in cap space, attempting to acquire a big-time talent to help the young players. The 76ers made their first free agency splash on Saturday, when they agreed to a deal with sharp shooter J.J. Redick, via ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski:
JJ Redick has agreed to a one-year, $23 million deal with the 76ers, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2017
Redick’s one-year, $23 million deal is quite the payday for the shooter, joining a team that desperately needs a shooter to space the floor. Reports indicated that Redick was drawing in figures around the $17-19 million range. However, the one-year deal allows the 76ers to give a larger amount while maintaining flexibility for next year as well.
The 76ers have this cap room thanks in part to the situation regarding their key players. Simmons, Embiid and Fultz will all be on their rookie deals during the 2017-18 season, giving the 76ers some flexibility in their thought process. Philadelphia certainly has high expectations going into next season, with an improved roster against a weaker eastern conference.
Redick averaged 15.0 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game, while shooting 44.5 percent from the field, 42.9 percent from beyond the arc and 89.1 percent from the free-throw line. He certainly will help space the floor for Simmons and Fultz off the dribble, as they 76ers attempt to climb the standings into the playoffs next season.
