2019 NBA free agency: 5 potential landing spots for Kyle Korver
3. Philadelphia 76ers
Kyle Korver joined the NBA in 2003 after four seasons bombing away at Creighton; his senior season he shot 48 percent from 3-point range, announcing to all interested NBA teams that he would be a shooter worth having at the next level. The Philadelphia 76ers purchased the draft rights to Korver from the New Jersey Nets on draft night for $125,000 so the cash-strapped Nets could buy a new copy machine.
Korver was as advertised in four-plus seasons with Philadelphia — a steady player largely used off the bench as a gunner. The Sixers traded him to the Utah Jazz in December of 2007, and it’s possible things could come full circle and Korver could return to the City of Brotherly Love.
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The 76ers made multiple moves this summer to change up the rotation, with J.J. Redick and Jimmy Butler out and Josh Richardson, Al Horford and Matisse Thybulle in. Korver can see the role designed for him by looking at last year’s tape, as the Sixers leaned heavily on Redick in a role that should fit Korver well, albeit with a lighter minutes load.
The Western Conference is a brutal prospect to try and compete in, and the East would provide an easier path towards contention. Even without a shooter like Korver, the 76ers are title contenders; FiveThirtyEight’s CARMELO predictions have Philadelphia as title favorites. Adding a shooter of Korver’s pedigree would boost their chances even more.
It’s possible Korver bears some sort of ill will toward Philadelphia for trading him, but that happened 12 years ago and the move was made by a very different front office. Korver’s wife, Juliet, is from New Jersey and may appreciate living closer to home after years in Atlanta, Cleveland and Salt Lake City. If Korver wants to compete in a place that wants him, Philadelphia is a prime choice.