The 76ers made two deals on Saturday that benefited all parties. Philadelphia signed JJ Redick to a one-year, $23 million contract, while signing Amir Johnson to a one-year, $11 million contract. The contract allows two veterans of the league to groom some of the younger players, while each is getting paid simultaneously.
Contracts allow improvement for 2018
The 76ers had $50 million to spend this offseason, but were unlikely to pull a big-name free agent based on the youth of the team. Former No. 1 overall picks Markelle Fultz and Ben Simmons have not played a single game in the league despite their upside.
Joel Embiid and Dario Saric were finalists for Rookie of the Year. The team also has Jahlil Okafor and Robert Covington, among other young options.
The move allows Redick and Johnson to make an immediate impact on the team to make a run for the playoffs, while allowing the 76ers to not commit long-term. Redick is 32 years old, but will provide three point shooting that the team desperately needs. Johnson will provide a strong, physical presense, and has been around the league for quite some time. Players will respect that given that Johnson was the last NBA draft pick out of high school back in 2005, making next season his 13th season in the league.
The hope is that the 76ers can make the playoffs to give this young group a taste of what it's like.
Then, in 2018, the 76ers could potentially make a run at a top free agent. Someone like isaiah thomas comes to mind. The Celtics were rumored to want to take Fultz with the No. 1 pick before trading the pick to Philadelphia. Fultz and Thomas are both graduates from the University of Washington. They have talked frequently, and like the idea of playing together.
The deals for Redick and Johnson will allow the financial flexibility to possibly make this happen.
Celtics' offseason could impact next year's offseason
The Celtics have struck out on Jimmy Butler and Paul George. If Danny Ainge were to strikeout on signing Gordon Hayward this week, it's not impossible to see Thomas walk away from the Celtics next summer.
Fans are getting restless because they know they have a stockpile of draft picks, but the team has not made a move.
Rumors have been circulating that the Celtics want to make a run at Russell Westbrook next year. There have been reports of the team wanting to make a trade. A trade seems unlikely unless Westbrook and George cannot play together at all. If the Celtics don't make a move and let Thomas walk, they may ultimately have their sights set on Westbrook.
