The US media analyzed that the 76ers or the Warriors were digging into the wall to create three giants to compete for the championship
Warriors guard Klay Thompson is likely to test the free agent market when his contract expires in 2024. The Warriors had previously only offered a two-year, $48 million contract offer, which was below his psychological price. It is reported that although Thompson is past his prime, he still wants to get a long-term contract with an annual salary of $25 million to $30 million. Charania previously broke the news that the Lakers, Clippers, Heat and Magic would be interested in Thompson.
On February 21, American media Fadeaway World analyzed the situation of possible poaching of Thompson from the Warriors this summer from the perspective of salary space. Although the Lakers and Clippers want to get Thompson, their salary space is locked up, and Thompson cannot be directly contracted unless a trade is freed, or a sign-and-trade.
Among the many giants in the league, the 76ers may become the dark horses in the battle for the Tang God. After the 76ers lost Harden this season, Embiid has evolved further, and Maxey has grown into an All-Star guard, but the 76ers lack a real third star.
The 76ers will have a lot of salary space next summer. In the summer of 2024, most of the 76ers' current players will expire on their contracts, including Tobias Harris, Hield, Melton, Oubre, Lowry, Bamba, Payne, Kenyon Martin Jr., Harrell and others.
The 76ers have guaranteed contracts with Embiid and Paul Reed next season, and then the 76ers will most likely give Maxey a contract extension with a maximum salary. Embiid will earn $51.41 million next season and Reed will earn $7.72 million. Maxey has a chance to get a five-year, $207 million contract, with an average annual salary of $41.4 million.
The 76ers do have salary space to sign Thompson directly, which can meet Thompson's annual salary requirements. Thompson is averaging 17.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game this season while shooting 42.1 percent from the field and 37.3 percent from three-point range. Thompson's problem is that he is up and down in form, he can dream back to the top when he is in form, shoot three-pointers like crazy, waste ammunition when he is not in good shape, and become a defensive hole.
However, in the final game before the All-Star weekend, Thompson switched to the bench and scored 35 points. Thompson has played well in the second team, or when he has more opportunities to carry the ball, it will help him to play well.
If the 76ers have Embiid, Maxey and Thompson, and then build a roster around them, they do have a chance to challenge for a championship. The biggest concern for the 76ers, though, is health. Embiid was originally the top favorite for MVP this season, but he was unable to play the full 65 games due to injury and will not be in contention for MVP.
Embiid is a center with major injury concerns, and Thompson has surgery on both his Achilles tendon and knee, so is it worth the risk for the 76ers?
In addition to the 76ers, the Pacers and Raptors could also free up salary space this summer. It is expected that there are many teams that want to dig into the Warriors' wall, after all, Tang Shen is a super shooter and has championship experience.