With NBA Free Agency set to begin, the Philadelphia 76ers have been active with their own roster before being able to sign other free agents. After drafting Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr., the priority for the 76ers is now to find another forward that can rebound and play a true starting forward role.
Today, the 76ers picked up a few player options and declined one that is now set to become a free agent. The 76ers will still have a lot of work to do, and we still have to wait and see if the 76ers will bring back Quentin Grimes or Kelly Oubre Jr. With that being said, we take a look at who is officially coming back for another year and who is set to enter free agency.
76ers Start Offseason Roster Moves
Barlow and Terry Set to Return to Philadelphia
The 76ers got to work and picked up the options on the contracts of Dominick Barlow and Dalen Terry, meaning they will both remain on the roster for another year without having to negotiate new contracts. Barlow and Terry will both hit free agency next year, but are each remaining on the roster for the year.
Barlow is a versatile forward who can rebound and play a physical game, making him a valuable player for the 76ers to keep. He averaged 7.7 points per game and 4.8 rebounds per game, making him a contributor to this squad either in the starting role or off the bench.
As for Terry, it is hard to evaluate him as he only appeared in fourteen games with the 76ers, averaging 4.1 points per game. Depending on whether head coach Nick Nurse can get him some playing time, he could become a player who can contribute off the bench. Terry is a low-risk, low-reward move, and bringing him back doesn’t hurt the 76ers financially at all.
76ers Decline Watford’s Option, Sending Him Into Free Agency
The 76ers declined Trendon Watford’s option, meaning the 76ers will not be bringing him back. Watford is an unrestricted free agent, meaning he is able to sign with any team of his choosing with no restrictions. Watford appeared in 53 games in his only season with the club and had his best game with the 76ers on November 8th against the Toronto Raptors with 20 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists.
In his lone season, Watford averaged 6.5 points per game and will now have the opportunity to take his talents elsewhere. Watford could have had his option picked up instead of Terry, and that is the risk the 76ers are taking on Terry. If Terry can develop, then he could see playing time, but the 76ers are known for getting the wrong players, and it has come to haunt them in the past. The 76ers will look for other forwards in free agency despite bringing back Barlow, and they will potentially bring back Oubre Jr., who can also contribute on both ends of the floor.
Do you think the 76ers’ bringing back Terry over Watford was a mistake?
Main Image: Justine Willard-Imagn Images
