Before this year's training camp, Philadelphia 76ers executives expressed their desire to have a new deal for their prized center Joel Embiid. The Cameroonian, who got drafted in 2014, is eligible to sign a massive extension until October 16. There is one more player on the Sixers roster who can have an extension ahead of the deadline, and that is shooting guard Nik Stauskas. Unfortunately, the team is not yet talking to him regarding this matter.

"Obviously, I haven’t had the type of seasons in the past that would warrant me getting a big-time extension.

I know that. I have so much more to prove. I have so much more to work for," Stauskas said according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. The 76ers' backcourt player added that he is not thinking about it.

The Sacramento Kings were the ones who selected Stauskas in the 2014 NBA Draft (No. 8 pick). He spent one season with the Kings and in July of 2015 was traded to the 76ers. In two years playing for Philadelphia, Stauskas has been a key member of the second unit. He provided good numbers, especially last season when he tallied career bests. Stauskas averaged 9.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game during the 2016-17 season. However, as he stated, his performance may not be enough for him to secure that lucrative extension.

Qualifying offer

If the 76ers are unwilling to grant Stauskas an extension but want to have a better chance of keeping him next year, they can sign him to a qualifying offer. It is going to make him a restricted free agent in 2018, which means Philly can match any offer sheet he inks with a different team.

Off the bench

Stauskas has one more season to prove to the 76ers that he deserves to stay in the City of Brotherly Love.

It will be a difficult road ahead since he is likely still a player coming off the bench. Back in July, the Sixers welcomed J.J. Redick to the squad. The veteran, who was with the Los Angeles Clippers in the last four years, is the projected starter at the shooting guard position. That suggests that Stauskas needs to compete for the second-stringer role in training camp and the preseason.

Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot is the main competition of Stauskas for the backup job in Philadelphia. Luwawu-Cabarrot is also a young prospect for the 76ers. The 22-year-old from France is currently recovering from a knee injury and is limited in practices. The organization is not rushing him since he has been dealing with the health setback for a couple of months.
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