The Philadelphia 76ers are making headlines in the NBA free agency market with their keen interest in Marcus Morris and Davis Bertans. As the offseason kicked off, the Sixers were left with a bare-bones lineup, with Joel Embiid standing out as one of the few players still under contract. Although they’ve re-signed Tyrese Maxey and brought in several key free agents, there are still gaps in their roster. Could Morris and Bertans be the critical additions needed to complete their championship puzzle?
76ers’ Interest in Marcus Morris and Davis Bertans
Currently, the 76ers have 13 players under contract. However, only Ricky Council IV has a non-guaranteed deal for the upcoming season, which will be fully guaranteed by January. This leaves two open spots on the roster, potentially for Morris and Bertans.
The Sixers are in dire need of depth at the power forward position, and both players fit the bill. According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the team is genuinely interested in adding these seasoned pros.
Bertans, despite being released by the Charlotte Hornets earlier in the offseason, hasn’t attracted much interest across the league. Yet, with a career three-point shooting average of 39.6%, he could be a deadly asset for a playoff-bound team. If he joins the Sixers, Bertans would serve as a catch-and-shoot specialist, providing firepower from beyond the arc.
Morris, on the other hand, offers a more comprehensive skill set. As the 14th overall pick in the 2011 draft, Morris boasts 13 years of experience and a versatile offensive game. Last season, he split his time between the Sixers and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Pompey notes that Morris has piqued the interest of several teams, including the 76ers, Cavs, Hornets, Pistons, Heat, Pelicans, and Timberwolves. The Dallas Mavericks also considered him before finalizing their roster.
The 76ers are restricted to offering a minimum contract due to their summer signings. However, this hasn’t deterred their aggressive pursuit in free agency.
Daryl Morey, the Sixers’ front office mastermind, has been hard at work reshaping the team into a championship contender. The Boston Celtics remain a formidable foe in the Eastern Conference, prompting Philadelphia to make bold moves. This summer, the 76ers secured nine-time All-Star Paul George, a game-changer next to Maxey and Embiid. George’s addition brings much-needed scoring prowess and defensive acumen, alleviating the pressure on Embiid.
George has expressed his willingness to play a supporting role, emphasizing the importance of winning over individual accolades. “There’s no ego with me,” George stated. “It’s about winning. I know when to step up and be aggressive, but the goal is to win, and that’s the message we need to convey to the team.”
In addition to George, the 76ers have added Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, and Reggie Jackson. Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kyle Lowry have also agreed to return on new deals.
Whether Morris or Bertans join this revamped squad, the 76ers are gearing up for an all-out assault on the 2024-25 NBA season.
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