Former All-Star expected to join Philadelphia 76ers

Thanks to their robust cap space before the offseason began, the Philadelphia 76ers ultimately sold like hotcakes as a destination for free agents. From perennial All-Stars to high-caliber players, the franchise immediately rose to the top of players’ wish lists.

Despite their string of high-profile signings, the 76ers still have a few roster spots available. The front office doesn’t have to fill the entire barrel, but that would certainly be a risky proposition for a team in dire need of depth due to its extensive injury history. And to fill that void, some believe the former All-Star will end up in Philly.

While most of the big names in free agency are now off the board, there is one player with a lot of pedigree who remains unsigned: Gordon Hayward. The former All-Star forward had a disappointing campaign as a bench player for the Oklahoma City Thunder last season, hence his current status.

However, Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey believes there is still a place for Hayward in this league, namely in Philadelphia.

“With a 38.5 three-point percentage over the last five seasons, Hayward could be a dangerous, stationary catch-and-shoot threat who makes plays from the stars. Against opposing defenses’ lower perimeter defenders, he could even do some damage as a scorer and creator who attacks close-outs.”

Hayward still has innate potential as a high-end bench operator who can score in droves and function as a secondary outlet. He was still playing at a decent level with the Hornets prior to his move to the Thunder, indicating there’s still something left in the tank for the former All-Star.

The 76ers also need to beef up their forward rotation, which would hypothetically make Hayward a good fit. But that’s where the conundrum comes in. Philadelphia is looking for depth insurance at the moment, and taking a chance on an oft-injured veteran who’s on the wrong side of 30 would be highly counterproductive for a team not known for upgrading iron men on its roster.

His decline in OKC can’t be ignored either. He simply failed to adapt to a supporting role, setting a bad precedent for a team that would likely rather not have him in a prominent role at this point in his career.

Gordon Hayward has had a very respectable career and while the Philadelphia 76ers are in need of a player like him, the downsides that come with signing him as a free agent may be too bleak for a team in need of safer places.