Sixers have three star names on their summer shopping list

The Philadelphia 76ers are expected to be in the market for another star player this summer. They are one of the few contending-level teams with cap space. They will likely be looking to add a wing to help round out their starting lineup.

According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Sixers have three star-level talents on their shortlist.

According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Sixers have three star-level talents on their shortlist.

Any of those three names would upgrade Nick Nurse’s team. However, there must be questions regarding how a player like Jimmy Butler, who has been an alpha with the Miami Heat in recent years, would slot into a tertiary role for the Sixers. Or whether his addition would stunt the growth of Tyrese Maxey.

Perhaps that’s why Zach LaVine and Brandon Ingram could be more realistic options, both in terms of availability and fit within the roster.

Whoever the Sixers decide to pursue, they will be doing so in the hope of improving their fortunes ahead of next season. Joel Embiid is firmly in his prime. When healthy, he’s one of the most dominant players in the world. With him leading the way and the ever-improving Maxey playing second fiddle, the Sixers aren’t far from being a genuine contender.

Daryl Morey has positioned his team to be players during free agency. The Sixers have tradable assets, cap space and young talent. Any player that becomes available could potentially be a target. However, the Sixers must be sure they’re adding the right type of player and that they can fit with the current roster and within Nurse’s offensive and defensive system.

Still, the Sixers must begin to contend for titles. A talent like Embiid doesn’t come around every day. If they want to keep him with the franchise long-term, he must feel like his ambitions are being matched by the front office. This is the summer when Philadelphia can put its money where its mouth is.