Shaun Livingston: 5 potential landing spots in 2017 NBA free agency
5. Philadelphia 76ers
Cap space, a desire for short-term deals and young point guards will be defining themes of this list. Philadelphia matches these specific criteria about as well as any team.
The Sixers could carve out over $50 million in space by renouncing their cap holds, but that doesn’t mean they’re in the market for max players. Their window won’t fully open for another couple of years, by which time most of this summer’s top targets will be past peak value. Investing in short-term vets to groom their young core while maintaining future cap room would be the more prudent approach.
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Livingston should be near the top of their wish list. He would allow Markelle Fultz to play off the ball, guard the weaker player in each opposing backcourt and learn from a two-time champion and excellent thinker of the game.
The reason they are only No. 5 is due to their other roster concerns. While Livingston and Fultz fit perfectly in a vacuum, adding Ben Simmons to the equation de-emphasizes ball handling, while creating a greater need for shooting.
Also, it is unclear if Livingston would have much interest. Even if he ends up leaving Golden State for a bigger offer, there are teams likely to outbid the Sixers. It would be surprising to see Jerry Colangelo offer more than two years at $9 million per.