While everything is sunshine, daisies, and lollipops for these current Sixers, it's never too early to look into the crystal ball to see your reflection what's next. With the offseason set to be here much quicker than any of us would like, there's a particular Old School Chevy whose future Rod Thorn will have to decide. Elton Brand and his $18 million contract will be expiring after the 2012-13 season and that's a pretty penny to pay a mediocre rebounder with a limited offensive game these days.
Another thing to think about: the Sixers could be big players in the free agent market this offseason. While it's not quite The Summer of 2013 we've been waiting for, there are a number of well-dressed gentlemen that figure to be moved at some point either this season or over the break that could be, shall we say, rather impactful (ahem, Dwight Howard). If the Sixers buy into the idea that the extremely impressive 12 games (only 323 minutes) from Spencer Hawes this season are a sign that he has turned the corner, then Elton is definitely expendable. Hawes would be overmatched defensively against quick 4's but with Thaddeus Young right behind him, they're pretty insured on the liability front.
The Amnesty Clause, for those who aren't familiar, allows a team to essentially waive one player that they signed before the new Collective Bargaining Agreement was passed. Teams with room under the salary cap would then be able to bid on said player, and the highest bid would net the player, with the amnestying team (in this case, the Sixers) paying the rest of the player's salary. It's basically a Get Out of Jail Free card for loaded contracts offered to teams who are looking for abortions on previously doled out monies.
While Elton certainly isn't the player he was back in his Clipper days, he's extremely valuable to this team, especially considering how thin/injured they are up front. He'd also have a fair amount of value on the bidding market. Amnestying him would certainly not tickle Doug Collins, a guy who fights for the value of his players, even when they aren't particularly valuable (see: Battie, Tony). But if a big signing is on the horizon, it's doubtful that Collins would object to it.
The other option is the Sixers could use Brand's fat expiring to attract teams looking to shed salary, picking up an expensive, big time piece that's not on the free agent market. Guys like Pau Gasol, David Lee, Emeka Okafor, and, natch, Amare Stoudemire come to mind. There's a lot the Sixers can do with the flexibility of Elton's expiring, I'm just worried that they'll let his value lapse by being indecisive due to any loyalties to Brand they may harbor.
0 recs | 63 comments
Hate to be that dude but...
Don’t care. More posts about this season please.
BrandonB - February 3, 2012
Smh.
This is getting annoying.
PhiladelphiaEagles - February 3, 2012 via iPhone app
This is the kind of mentality that I don’t understand. It popped up last season with the Phillies in the Hunter Pence trade: “It helps us win now” and “this season”. While that’s fine, I don’t like when “fans” get short sighted especially when 1. Moves only affect the short term minimally but have big consequences long term or 2. the team is still far from title contenders and “fans” jump on the bandwagon and start pumping the team up to more than they are.
The Sixers are still young and developing. While better than teams have been in our recent past, they still aren’t realistically in contention for the NBA Title. This is why you have to think long term and why there are conversations about beyond this season because we fans want improvement and want to contend. If you’re satisfied with this type of success then that’s fine, enjoy it. But I’ve sat through a decade of watching almost every game and I’m not going to get all high on the fact that they’ve strung together great regular season games. Yes I’m optimistic but I’m not oblivious to the weaknesses of the team that will eat us alive in the playoffs.
soman319 - February 3, 2012
And I don’t mean to take a shot at Brandon. It’s just a general thought I had reading stuff and listening to the radio.
soman319 - February 3, 2012
No offense taken and I’m not trying to take shots at Michael. I’m kind of just reacting to the majority of Sixer fans at the moment.
BrandonB - February 3, 2012
They are the 3rd Vegas favorite to come out of the East and just smacked the 2nd favorite. Can we at least wait for the end of the season until we come to baseless conclusions like this. I mean it’s a 1/3 of the way through the season for christ sakes. There’s still alot of basketball left to be played in THIS SEASON. Do we really have to start planning who we are going to get in free agency for next season. I mean the way people talk around here maybe they should just lose out for draft picks. I’ve seen a more positive attitude on death row.
BrandonB - February 3, 2012
And furthermore, a win tonight puts them alone in 2nd place in the conference only a couple games behind the bulls. I mean when was the last time the Sixers were 2nd or better in the conference through 24 games? I mean its almost like the Sixers could get the 1st overall seed and people would still say “sigh, I wish we were a contender, maybe there’s some free agents we can get next year to help us get to that level”.
BrandonB - February 3, 2012
I’m all about being up on them but I don’t see why looking at the off season and moving forward is such a bad thing. They are all real issues with the team moving forward.
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the season but I like sustained success and the potential to contend for titles over multiple years. Fact is, we haven’t made true progress until this year. Before this season, I couldn’t even really give the team an identity, this year we actually can (a defensive oriented team). So I’m going to enjoy the ride but will still remain cautiously optimistic.
soman319 - February 3, 2012
I absolutely 100% agree with everything you say. We have gone from 0 to hero in a very short turnaround and that is shocking (rightfully so) to Sixer fans and the national media in general. That virtually never happens in the NBA or sports in general and I think most fans still can’t believe what they are witnessing. But the fact remains this team is 1.5 games out of 1st through 22 games. If that isn’t something to be excited about then I don’t know what is. In my opinion, which obviously seems to be the minority, I just think the next offseason should be the bottom of the fans’ priorities right now.
BrandonB - February 3, 2012
This sums up how I feel.
Many of the Business Professors I have had always say that it is good to have two eyes on the present and four eyes on the future.
Ben16 - February 3, 2012
I think that’s why a bunch of people are writing off the fact that we’re the favorites this early. It’s great that Vegas is so high on us this early in the season, but wait for it, wait for it, yeah they were really high on the Eagles early in the season and despite being 8-8 and missing the playoffs and having the NFC SB team in their own division, are still really highly favored to win the SB by Vegas odds even if they have never won one.
Don’t get me wrong, I am optimistic and am really wholeheartedly enjoying the run our Sixers are making, but when you have an opportunity to get a once in a generation player/superstar that could change the shape/direction of this franchise the way AI did 15 years ago, I think it merits plenty of conversation no matter what time of year it is.
Also, and I know this post is going on for too long so I’m wrapping up, the play of the current Sixers team very much dictates whether or not DH6 will come play with us. If we finish 33-33, get bounced in the first round, and it’s ugly he won’t want to come here. However if we finish 44-22, make the EC finals and take the Heat/Bulls to 6-7 games or better, I bet for the right $$$ he’ll want to come to a team that he can propel by HIMSELF into the Finals, with the pieces we have, similar to what Dirk did with his surrounding pieces in 2011.
Vince1129 - February 3, 2012
see below
BrandonB - February 3, 2012
“There’s still alot of basketball left to be played in THIS SEASON. Do we really have to start planning who we are going to get in free agency for next season.”
Not to be a dick, but I certainly wouldn’t want you at the helm of the Sixers or any other professional sports team. OF COURSE there going to be planning for next season…I’m pretty sure that is a major part of any business. If your only going season by season you will almost certainly crash and burn due to poor future planning. Then again, I totally agree with 95% of the things Mike says regarding the future (trading Iggy and using Brand’s contract wisely to gain assets through a trade or free agency). Not very organized post but you get the point.
LeJclair1 - February 3, 2012
Mike said trade Iggy?
J.P.Melle - February 3, 2012
Earlier, yes. In order to expedite development of Turner and Jrue.
Michael Levin - February 3, 2012
You still think they should?
J.P.Melle - February 3, 2012
A small part of me will once they don’t win a championship but no, I think their success this year is real and trading their best player would be a mistake at this point.
Michael Levin - February 3, 2012
Ok the Eagles are one example of a team that failed to reach expectations. The Giants are an example of a team that surpassed expectations.
I’m not advocating that the Sixers do nothing this offseason and not make a play for Howard or whoever. All I’m saying is that, as fans, I think we should be more interested in what this team is doing this season.
Can this team actually come out of the East? Can they get the 1st or 2nd seed? Can they beat the Heat in a 7 game series? Can they beat the Bulls in a 7 game series? What if they have home-court advantage? These are questions, as a fan, that I am very interested in. It just seems that everyone else has already come to the conclusion of no to all of them, which is rather depressing.
BrandonB - February 3, 2012
crap ment to reply to Vince’s comment with this.
BrandonB - February 3, 2012
I would say your about 75% on the right track...
I agree that we should about this season, but if you look at the percentage of posts on the site and go through them I’d say it’s atleast 75/25 in favor of looking at the current season and the offseason and looking to 2012/2013 offseason .
While I do say that most people on here (myself included) bring up Dwight too much, he’s just a topic that people will not stop talking about until he leaves Orlando, and is permanently signed to a long term deal.
As for this post season, I think that’s looking a bit far ahead, but I honestly think we end up a #3 seed behind the bulls and heat and we sneak past the heat in a seven game series, but fall short of knocking the heat off to go to the finals. Our victory over the Heat will propel us to the #1 team going into the offseason as Dwight can’t go to Miami and we can amnesty Brand to afford him. (This is all hypothetical assuming Dwight isn’t traded…)
Vince1129 - February 3, 2012
And who to amnesty and who to sign next offseason isn’t?
BrandonB - February 3, 2012
Yes and no. The final rankings will be very fluid as the season plays out whereas what players will be FA’s and who we may want to be amnestied is a little more solid.
Ben16 - February 3, 2012
I’m coming from the standpoint of a fan, not the front office. Of course the FO, should be planning for next season. They should be planning for the next 5 years. I’m saying as a fan, my priority, at this moment in time, is this season not next offseason.
BrandonB - February 3, 2012
I don’t think it’s really baseless. We all can identify the obvious weaknesses of the team. While no team is perfect, this team’s weaknesses put them at a bigger disadvantage come playoff time. When’s the last time a team with a weak front court won a championship?
soman319 - February 3, 2012
How do you know we will have a weak front court come playoff time? EB, healthy Hawes/Voose, Lavoy/Thad is weak? But that’s proving my point exactly. The discussion of that question, to me, is much more interesting (and relevant) then who we need to target this offseason.
BrandonB - February 3, 2012
The moment Kris Humphries owned us is the moment I came to that conclusion lol.
soman319 - February 3, 2012
Kris Humphries ownes alot of people. He’s one of the best rebounders in the NBA.
BrandonB - February 3, 2012
I don’t know, we’re getting better in the halfcourt, Lavoy is showing a love of bruising down in the post, and there aren’t many post-dominant teams in the eastern conference. We don’t turn the ball over, find the open shot, and play great defense. Looks like we’re set up alright for the playoffs to me. That being said, nothing wrong with talking about the possibilities.
J.P.Melle - February 3, 2012
No
Michael Levin - February 3, 2012
Brandon – If talking about the off-season bothers you so much, why not just stop participating in those conversations?
J.P.Melle - February 3, 2012
I am.
BrandonB - February 3, 2012
Great Question!
As you pretty much indicated, I think the situation will play itself out. I don’t see the Sixers using the amnesty unless there is a reason to (i.e. cap space/trade situation for a “star” player). Otherwise, Brand might be expensive at $18M but he’s a sunk cost next year absent being able to use that money elsewhere along the front line.
On a different topic, what’s up with Hawes? There’s literally no timetable for his return and everyone’s been mum. Is anyone else worried? Without Hawed and even with Vuc back and Lavoy playing well, our front court is waaaaay to thin to make a serious run.
dp - February 3, 2012
McGinnis interviewed Hawes at halftime against the Bulls. He said everything going as planned and he’s making progress and is getting close to returning but there is no timetable yet. He’s starting to play in pickup games in practice which is encouraging. I think they want to make sure he’s absolutely 100% so he doesn’t reinjure anything. I’m not as worried as everyone else seems to be. As long as he’s healthy going into the playoffs they are in good shape.
BrandonB - February 3, 2012
agh...
So no Big Spence tonight then….
highwaterhello - February 3, 2012
Nope. Maybe Voose.
BrandonB - February 3, 2012
I’m starting to wonder how much Lavoy is gonna cut into Voose’s minutes.
J.P.Melle - February 3, 2012
can’t they also trade their Get Out of Jail Free Card in a deal?
Wouldn’t that be important to other teams with bad contracts?
CoburnsCuddleBuddy - February 3, 2012
A team that trades for Brand cannot amnesty him. He might have value as an expiring if the Sixers were interested in bring back a high ticket player- but only the Sixers can amnesty Brand.
tk76 - February 3, 2012
You can only amnesty players that the team signed prior to the CBA. Can’t amnesty traded players.
Michael Levin - February 3, 2012
that would be a suspect move at best. we’ve already invested our life savings in the man, last year he came and was the most consistent player on the roster and this year has taken my perception of his post defense to another level. also, he would only have one year left. to my understanding we only get one amnesty for a long period of time and this would be a waste of it. at that point, it would be an expiring deal regardless of how much its worth. not to mention the old “best available” cliche…who would replace him and be at least as good? no one who plays as well as brand within the system would be available AND willing to play for philly (hint hint). move would make no sense. for me, it was do it before this season or let him finish his obligation.
J.Michael Woodson - February 3, 2012
Amnesty
Doesnt the amnesty clause only apply this year and next? Could be wrong but I don’t think you get to use 5 years from now which is why you use it in Brand next year.
B-DON - February 3, 2012
*in 5 years, *on Brand
B-DON - February 3, 2012
Geez even messed up my spell correction lol
B-DON - February 3, 2012
Correct. It is this year or next and can only be used on players that were on the team when the CBA was signed.
Ben16 - February 3, 2012
Mentioned this elsewhere but
Id like to see Elton get a couple games of rest down the stretch to save his legs for the playoffs and maybe more importantly, give Lavoy Allen an audition as a Brand replacement. If Allen could do a decent Brand impression and be the Meeks to Thad’s Turner, it’d make it a lot easier to amnesty Brand.
Dpez71 - February 3, 2012
You only Amnesty Brand if a better option is out there. So if Gasol or Dwight become an option then you have to go in that direction. But I’m not sure that better option will materialize, and likely they need to look to find Brand’s replacement in 2013.
tk76 - February 3, 2012
Do we want David Lee or Okafor?
J.P.Melle - February 3, 2012
In a word? No.
jkrisch - February 3, 2012
Okafor seems like a bit of a head-scratcher
bandwagoner - February 3, 2012
It looks like the bigs from this draft can play, so I’m getting more comfortable with letting Hawes walk, keeping Elton another year, and sticking with what we’ve got. Unless of course we can sign you know who.
J.P.Melle - February 3, 2012
He who must not be named??
Dozer3677 - February 3, 2012
Voldemort is a Center?
SIGN HIM UP!!! :)
dweebowitz - February 3, 2012
I’d give Tom a max contract. With the horcruxes, he’s really got a lot of longevity to his prime.
Michael Levin - February 3, 2012
Sounds like the same reasoning the Banks were using during the Housing bubble!
Ben16 - February 3, 2012
“And starting at Center … standing 6’1” … from Hogwarts … The Dark Lord … Vooolllldemoorrrttttt."
J.P.Melle - February 3, 2012
Step back in time...
Im very happy where this team is today and optimistic about the future and more importantly this season. This is a fun little ‘what if’ scenario I sometimes like to mull over.
If you recall we were in a position to sign Josh Smith to a long term deal but ended up choosing Elton Brand instead. At that point in time Brand was viewed as the bluer chip player. Smith was an RFA, Brand was a UFA.
Where would we be today if we opted for Smith over Brand? Assume ATL couldnt match our offer sheet b/c we gave him Brand’s deal. How would that have played out? Would it be a better or worse place than where we stand today?
andyreidswaistline - February 3, 2012 via mobile
But all indications were that ATL would match any offer given to Smith. I feel like there is not point trying to compare Brand and Smith because as you said, Smith was a RFA and Brand an UFA.
Ben16 - February 3, 2012
It’s not as far fetched as you make it sound. At that point in time it would have been a reach to offer Smith the contract we had Brand. In the 1st three years of those deals the Sixers have paid Brand (on avg) $4.1Mil more than Smith per season. Did the Hawks indicate they would match any offer for Smith? Yes. Would it have been harder for them to put their money where there mouth was at the dollar amount we gave Brand? Yes especially with expiring deals to the likes of Joe Johnson, Marvin Williams, Mike Bibby and Josh Childress on their plate at the time.
andyreidswaistline - February 3, 2012 via mobile
But all those assumptions is exactly the reason why saying what if? makes no sense at this point.
Ben16 - February 3, 2012
and I would have to think that the fact that the Sixers rolled out the red carpet for him and then did not make an offer means that they were pretty sure the Hawks were going to match any offer for him.
Ben16 - February 3, 2012
J. Michael Woodson,
Just for the record, I believe the amnesty could have been used this season or next season, but if it not used after next season, it dissolves…
My two cents, I’d be all for amnestying Brand if it helped bring in a Dwight Howard type. Amare and David Lee are good players but they have pretty big contracts… Gasol appears to be on the downside of his career and Emeka Okafor… WHAT? I’m not even sure if he’s an upgrade from Brand?!?! So unless we can use that $18 million to bring in a TOP TOP guy, I don’t see the Sixers paying Brand $18 million to go play somewhere else… It doesn’t seem to be consistent with the decisions management has been making…
Daniel Beaulieu - February 3, 2012
I’d be all for Gasol. If I had to guess I’d say his lower production this year is more because of the Lakers overall offensive struggles than his decline. He fit’s our offense really well actually; I’m just not sure how we could get him.
J.P.Melle - February 3, 2012
Let's revisit this after we lose to the Heat in the ECF
There’s so much more info we need before a meaningful discussion can take place.
- What useful big men get bounced in the first or second round of the playoffs and lash out at their team, and might want to (realistically) come to Philadelphia?
- How does EB perform in the playoffs? Is he looking weak, tired and with old legs?
- How does Thad perform? If Thad isn’t a legitimate backup 4 in the playoffs, then the need becomes more pressing and maybe we reach a bit on a not-so-nice contract.
PhillyWarrior - February 3, 2012
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