There has been a lot of speculation about the buyout player that Daryl Morey alluded to last week.

NBC Sports Philadelphia’s John Clark reported today that the 76ers will be signing former lottery pick Willie Cauley-Stein to a 10-day contract.

Cauley-Stein, better known as Willie Trill, is a veteran big who specializes in rim running, rebounding, and interior defense which checks all the boxes for a Philadelphia backup big. His play style will be extremely conducive with James Harden and will replicate the centers that have commonly been paired with Harden.

While only playing 18 games this season, Cauley-Stein has been a solid big throughout the entirety of his eight-year tenure in the NBA. For his career, he puts up a respectable 8.8/5.9/1.4 per game and has had his best seasons in a compact role similar to the one he will inherit here in Philadelphia.

There is some reasonable speculation as to if this was the rumored move that Morey was talking about. Cauley-Stein was waived in January, which would have made him available immediately following the trade deadline, therefore voiding any potential of the hang-ups before signing here that were referenced in Morey’s interview. This move could be a placeholder to whatever original signing they had in mind, and with the buyout window ending on March 1st, his time here could be short-lived.

Regardless, Willie Trill provides a much-needed bolstering in the frontcourt, and adds a lob threat to the offense soon to be led by James Harden. His presence will be welcomed almost immediately, and if he hangs around he will be helpful come playoff time.

Mandatory Credit: NBA.com