Philadelphia 76ers: 3 steps to acquiring LeBron James

2. Re-sign J.J. Redick at a significantly reduced rate, address bench

Redick’s impact in his first season with the Sixers has been exceptional. In his 12th season, Redick is averaging a career-high 16.7 points per game while shooting at his customarily elite 40.7 percent clip from 3-point range. As a result, he has helped the Sixers improve their lowly ranking of 25th last season in 3-point shooting to a more respectable 16th this season.

As impressive as his contributions have been thus far, his $23 million salary will clearly need to be addressed. With Redick turning 34 prior to next season, the Sixers will have taken great notice of the recent contract extension of Lou Williams and the Los Angeles Clippers.

Despite being in the midst of an All-Star caliber season by averaging 23.1 points and 5.4 assists per game, many onlookers were shocked when Williams was extended for just three years and $24 million. Considering Williams is still just 31, this should give the Sixers significant leverage when looking to extend Redick this summer.

Just recently, Redick expressed his desire to remain with the Sixers:

"“This is something that I’ll reiterate that I said last summer when I signed here. I want this to be a long-term thing. I love playing here. I love playing with these guys. I love playing for Brett [Brown]. This has been a fantastic experience.”"

In addition to Redick, the Sixers’ bench is another aspect that requires addressing this summer. Granted, the front office has shown its awareness in this regard with the recent signings of veterans Marco Belinelli and Ersan Ilyasova off waivers. While these represent sound signings, appeasing to James’ wishes and high standards means the Sixers’ front office would have their hands full this offseason.

While he has been a tremendous contributor this season, the ball-handling capabilities of both James and Simmons would likely make reserve guard T.J. McConnell somewhat expendable. In McConnell’s place would preferably come a superior perimeter shooter who’s also capable at the defensive end.

Among the prospective, and obtainable backup guards who seem to be logical targets should the Sixers follow this path would be:

• Patrick Beverley
• Joe Harris
• Tomas Satoransky

Overall, Beverley would make the most sense due to his hard-nosed approach at the defensive end, his ability to knock down the open 3, and his overall veteran nous and savvy.

In terms of formulating a deal, the aforementioned McConnell would make an attractive piece for the Clippers. With Beverley having just one year remaining on his current deal, exchanging him for a younger emerging piece in McConnell, who has a team option on the remaining year of his deal, make sense for both sides considering the transition period being experienced by the Los Angeles Clippers.

Thus, a backcourt rotation of Simmons, Redick, Beverley and Fultz would provide head coach Brett Brown with a multitude of options down the road.