2. Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers are in a great position. They have foundation pieces in Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. They have a ton of future assets in the way of draft picks and cap space. However, the Eastern Conference is wide open right now. Courtney Lee could help push them over the edge in the conference.
The 76ers need some veterans to help take their team to the next level. Lee could combine as an excellent 3-and-D pairing alongside Robert Covington. A lineup of Simmons, Lee, Covington, Dario Saric and Joel Embiid would be difficult for teams on both ends of the court.
In the original report of Lee being shopped, the 76ers were named as one of the teams showing interest. Their interest goes back to 2016 when Lee was a free agent, as they considered signing him back then. Two years later, Lee would still be a great fit for their organization.
While the Sixers were named as a team showing interest, would the Knicks do business with one of their division rivals? At this point in time, if the Knicks can clear more cap space and get some future draft picks, the team enabling them to do those things shouldn’t matter.
A package built around Jerryd Bayless’ expiring contract and draft picks could get the Knicks’ attention. Wilson Chandler and Mike Muscala are both on expiring deals that can be dealt as well.