The Kevin Love trade is officially finalized, capping off a blockbuster deal for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The forward goes to join LeBon James while two former No. 1 draft picks, Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett, head to Minnesota. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers also got in on the action getting a first-round draft pick and expiring contracts while sending Thaddeus Young to the Timberwolves. However, Philadelphia is not done yet, looking for more unwanted contracts before the offseason is over.
According to Eric Pincus of BasketballInsiders.com, the 76ers are aiming to take on unwanted contracts this offseason in order to unload on salary cap space for next year's free agency group. Philadelphia has the most money of any team to spend at this point in the offseason. They are still not over the minimum salary cap requirements, making them prime targets for trades. The 76ers have no interest in maxing out at $32.5 million and will instead target expiring deals and draft picks in trades. So who does the team chase?
Amar'e Stoudemire or Andrea Bargnani could be a prime target for the 76ers. Philadelphia has already been linked to Stoudemire earlier this offseason and appear to have interest once again. Both players will become unrestricted free agents next summer and are currently taking up $35 million of cap space on New York's roster. Both big men are coming off seasons of real struggle. Stoudemire put up a mere 11.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game despite staying relatively healthy. Bargnani spent more time complaining about his lack of playing time than making an impact on the court. These deals will only make sense if the Knicks do not have to give up any other assets as well.
The 76ers still have all of their draft picks that need to be signed as well which will help them reach the salary cap requirements. Joel Embiid is still not signed and the 76ers are not in a rush to get a deal in place. The team is trying to remain as flexible as possible with the rookie as his timetable for return is not until the All-Star break at the earliest. However, the 76ers will get back Nerlens Noel who missed his entire rookie season. He will be paired alongside Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams as the 76ers roster is one of the youngest in the league.