Hypothetically, let’s say the Sixers sign James to a max deal. He would make $51.4 million next season.
The Sixers still would have an $8 million and $6 million slot available for free agents. They’ll also have a way to generate another $5 million to $10 million slot. That will allow the team to get three guys making in that range of salary to go along with three max players — including Embiid ($51.4 million) and Maxey ($35.2 million).
Batum, who the Sixers acquired via a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers on Nov. 1, made $11.7 million last season. The team holds his Bird rights and has a cap hold of $17.5 million on the 35-year-old. The 6-foot-8, 230-pound forward didn’t expect to like Philadelphia, but ended up loving it here. And Embiid made it known to Batum what he expects him to do.
“You’re coming back to the Sixers,” he told his good friend while interrupting his media scrum following the season-ending Game 6 first-round loss to the New York Knicks on May 6.
But the Sixers realize Oubre played himself out of a minimum-salary contract. ESPN noted he’s a prime candidate to receive a room mid-level exception for $8 million. A league source echoed that, saying Oubre would have to slide into a $6 million to $8 million area if the Sixers are able to sign a third max player.
by mastermind208
4 Comments
I know Pompey’s unreliable, but its a decent article highlighting our financial situation RN with cap holds and likely re-signings. I’d love to have Batum back if he doesn’t retire.
Lowry was good for a min player but he’s getting up there in age, we gotta explore other options
Can definitely see a team offering oubre north of 10 million, unfortunate but that’s the back end of a prove it deal
Rip Deanthony Melton. I honestly have no clue what his next contract will look like. Could be anything from $5-20M/yr
Why I believe Batum and Oubre are candidates to take Philly discounts.
They are both fan favorites, Philly loves them and they love Philly back. Batums wife in particular has embraced the city and online fanbase and even hinted at Nico *not* retiring. And Joel obviously wants Batum back as well.
Nick Nurse seemed to have an affinity for both of them. Oubre himself said that Nurse is a “rockstar.” I also think Oubre will take note of the fact that not only did we reach out to him once last offseason, but twice offering him an opportunity
At Batums age, and what was honestly limited availability and production throughout the regular season, with the veteran minimum for him going up to $3.3m, I wouldnt be surprised at all to see him take the minimum to ring chase for one more year. That would be huge for our team building
As for Oubre, I think the 8m MLE is less than he deserves and likely less than someone else might offer, but I can definitely see a world where he takes that MLE on a 1+1 to be our 6man and legit compete for a title, which he seems like he enjoys competing