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Let's say the Philadelphia 76ers miss out on superstar free agent LeBron James.
Philadelphia still has one roster spot left to fill with a veteran's minimum contract available to do so. Who should the 76ers target with that final slot?
Here's a look at three free agent targets for the Sixers other than James:
1. Matisse Thybulle
A reunion with Thybulle is easy to understand, as the Philadelphia fanbase loved him during his three and a half seasons with the team. From a basketball standpoint, the 29-year-old does provide the team with an attribute it desperately needs, which is more defense in the second-unit.
As it stands, the secondary backcourt for the Sixers is led by rookie Labaron Philon Jr. and free agency signing Anfernee Simons. Both are strong on the offensive end, but lack defensive prowess. Adding an established wing in Thybulle to the mix would greatly help bolster the bench.
With the Portland Trail Blazers last season, Thybulle averaged 5.8 points and 2.0 steals on 43.3% shooting and 39.8% shooting from three-point range in 30 games. His weaknesses come in the forms of contributing on offense as well as availbility.
2. Nicolas Batum
Another possible reunion for Philadelphia is with the 18-year NBA veteran, Batum.
He is by no means the player he once was with the Trail Blazers or Charlotte Hornets, but can still contribute to winning basketball with his high IQ, veteran leadership, and strong outside shooting. He appeared in 74 games for the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2025-2026 campaign, recording 4.0 points per game on 40.4% shooting from the arc.
It's obvious the Sixers could use some additional bodies in the forward room, and Batum could address that need.
3. Ziaire Williams
There's no guarantee Williams is willing to play for a minimum deal, but if he is, the 24-year-old is arguably the most intriguing target of the bunch.
He has spent the last two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets, and he's managed to blossom into a solid contributor on both ends of the floor. He tallied 10.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals on 42.5% shooting in 56 games played. At 6-foot-9, Williams is a rather weak rebounder as well as having trouble keeping up defensively with stronger opponents.
Still, the upside he offers is appealing.
Join The 76ersRoundtable
Head over to the 76ersRoundtable page and hit the "Join" button at the top of the page... it's completely FREE! You'll have the opportunity to engage with other 76ers fans who live and breathe the team, share your thoughts on the organization, and more. If you're asked to sign up or download the Roundtable app... that's free too.
Anthony Pasciolla is the publisher of 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached via email at [email protected] or followed on X @AnthonyPasci.
Continue reading...
Philadelphia still has one roster spot left to fill with a veteran's minimum contract available to do so. Who should the 76ers target with that final slot?
Here's a look at three free agent targets for the Sixers other than James:
1. Matisse Thybulle
A reunion with Thybulle is easy to understand, as the Philadelphia fanbase loved him during his three and a half seasons with the team. From a basketball standpoint, the 29-year-old does provide the team with an attribute it desperately needs, which is more defense in the second-unit.
As it stands, the secondary backcourt for the Sixers is led by rookie Labaron Philon Jr. and free agency signing Anfernee Simons. Both are strong on the offensive end, but lack defensive prowess. Adding an established wing in Thybulle to the mix would greatly help bolster the bench.
With the Portland Trail Blazers last season, Thybulle averaged 5.8 points and 2.0 steals on 43.3% shooting and 39.8% shooting from three-point range in 30 games. His weaknesses come in the forms of contributing on offense as well as availbility.
2. Nicolas Batum
Another possible reunion for Philadelphia is with the 18-year NBA veteran, Batum.
He is by no means the player he once was with the Trail Blazers or Charlotte Hornets, but can still contribute to winning basketball with his high IQ, veteran leadership, and strong outside shooting. He appeared in 74 games for the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2025-2026 campaign, recording 4.0 points per game on 40.4% shooting from the arc.
It's obvious the Sixers could use some additional bodies in the forward room, and Batum could address that need.
3. Ziaire Williams
There's no guarantee Williams is willing to play for a minimum deal, but if he is, the 24-year-old is arguably the most intriguing target of the bunch.
He has spent the last two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets, and he's managed to blossom into a solid contributor on both ends of the floor. He tallied 10.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals on 42.5% shooting in 56 games played. At 6-foot-9, Williams is a rather weak rebounder as well as having trouble keeping up defensively with stronger opponents.
Still, the upside he offers is appealing.
Join The 76ersRoundtable
Head over to the 76ersRoundtable page and hit the "Join" button at the top of the page... it's completely FREE! You'll have the opportunity to engage with other 76ers fans who live and breathe the team, share your thoughts on the organization, and more. If you're asked to sign up or download the Roundtable app... that's free too.
Anthony Pasciolla is the publisher of 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached via email at [email protected] or followed on X @AnthonyPasci.
Continue reading...
