Here are 3 options for the Philadelphia 76ers to complete their roster for the 2024-25 season

With the Philadelphia 76ers signing guard Reggie Jackson in late July, they now have two roster spots left since teams can occupy a maximum of 15 players during the NBA regular season.

Daryl Morey told the media during Paul George’s introductory press conference that the front office planned to reserve a singular roster slot to preserve flexibility for whatever may unfold during the upcoming season.

“We’re gonna keep an open roster spot, so as have injuries, as needs arise, or Coach Nurse sees something we need to do, we’ll address those. We feel like this is gonna be a special season.”

Daryl Morey on his plan for managing the Sixers roster during the upcoming season: pic.twitter.com/qUpD2SYnF4

— Dan Olinger (@dan_olinger) July 23, 2024

With that said, the 76ers will almost certainly sign one more player before the start of the NBA season. Here’s my Top 3 options to fill that role.

76ers Free Agent Target: Marcus Morris Sr.

Veteran forward and Philadelphia native, Marcus Morris Sr. has been the most popular name mentioned among fans and reporters. Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the team has interest in bringing Morris back, but they’re in competition with the Cleveland Cavaliers:

“The Sixers only have a one-year veteran-minimum salary of $3.3 million available to offer him. Sources say the Cavs, who are highly interested, are prepared to give Morris nearly double that amount.”

The Sixers and the Cavs are the leaders in the Marcus Morris sweepstakes, per @PompeyOnSixers

“For Morris’ comfort level, the Sixers and Cavs appear to have the best chances to land him.” pic.twitter.com/5TiEvyEdSP

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 4, 2024

Morris was traded to Philadelphia in a package from the Los Angeles Clippers to acquire star guard James Harden early on in the 2023-2024 season and offered solid production as a reserve forward. In 37 games with the 76ers, Morris posted per-game averages of 6.7 points and 2.9 rebounds, on 40.0% shooting from beyond the arc (2.4 attempts per game).

Morris was then dealt to the San Antonio Spurs in a three-team deal that allowed Philadelphia to acquire sharpshooter Buddy Hield at the 2024 trade deadline. He was then waived by the Spurs and acquired by Cleveland to finish out the remainder of the year.

Along with gritty intangibles, Morris would help build up depth at the power forward position, arguably the biggest hole in the 76ers’ roster. With the ability to space the floor, create his shot off the dribble, and rebound, another Philadelphia homecoming could be of benefit.

76ers Free Agent Target: Davis Bertans

Three-point specialist forward Davis Bertans has also been a player of interest for the 76ers before the season begins.

After signing a five-year/$80 million contract with the Washington Wizards during the 2020 free agency period, Bertans’ production wasn’t worth his $15+ million AAV.

The Wizards dealt him in a package that landed them star forward Kristaps Porzingis from the Dallas Mavericks at the 2022 trade deadline.

Bertans played just 45 games in Dallas during the 2022-2023 season due to various injuries and was once again traded, this time during the 2023 draft, as the Mavericks shipped him along with their 10th overall pick to Oklahoma City for their 12th overall pick.

Davis Bertans is cooking in FIBA 🧑‍🍳
pic.twitter.com/4BvHpVZRpk

— MillerMuse (@BMilMuse) July 2, 2024

Playing just 15 games in Oklahoma City, he was dumped off to the Charlotte Hornets in a package that sent back a Gordon Hayward assortment at the 2024 trade deadline.

Charlotte then decided to waive Bertans on July 6th, making him an unrestricted free agent, who could be acquired with a veteran minimum contract.

In his 28 games with the Hornets, Bertans averaged 8.8 points per game, while shooting 37.5% from three on 6.3 attempts, making him an intriguing target for the 76ers, despite his one-dimensional skillset.

76ers Free Agent Target: Robert Covington

While there’s been no reports revolving around veteran forward, and fan favorite Robert Covington, he’d be another quality addition to buffer up Philadelphia’s depth at power forward.

Like Marcus Morris Sr, Covington was included in the Clippers trade package that netted them James Harden, and like Morris, he was unable to finish out the season with the 76ers, but for a different reason.

With 26 games under his belt in Philadelphia, Covington would suffer a bone bruise in left knee around late December/early January that would eventually require him to miss the remainder of the season.

During his brief 76ers stint, Covington produced per-game averages of 4.5 points and 3.4 rebounds, on 35.4% from downtown (1.8 attempts per game), while being a plus defender.

Robert Covington is back on the court! pic.twitter.com/Ai0lLdZRD9

— Harrison Grimm (@Harrison_Grimm) August 3, 2024

He’s now an unrestricted free agent who’s received zero reported interest from teams, which means that the veteran would likely return to Philadelphia on a veteran minimum.

Covington would bring passable floor-spacing, quality rebounding, and a touch of defensive versatility, assuming he’s at full health.

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