The Sixers' offseason won't come to an end with a trade for Markelle Fultz. After Thursday's NBA draft, the team will have plenty of cap space to acquire players this offseason, both on the free-agent market and via trade.
With that in mind, here's a roundup of some rumors around the NBA that could involve the Sixers:
Stephen A. Smith: Bulls wanted No. 3 pick from Sixers for Jimmy Butler
On ESPN's First Take this morning, Stephen A. Smith said that the Chicago Bulls were talking with the Sixers earlier this offseason. He said the Bulls were looking to acquire the No. 3 pick while making star small forward Jimmy Butler available.
However, according to Smith, the Sixers didn't feel that Butler fit with the timeline of their young core, which isn't ready to compete right away. Obviously, a trade up to No. 1 to acquire Fultz likely ends any potential trade talks involving Butler to the Sixers for now.
Smith went on to say that the Celtics are now pursuing Butler alongside a free agency push for Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward. Adding the two versatile wings would keep the Celtics a top contender to unseat the Cavaliers as Eastern Conference champions in the short term.
.@stephenasmith just said Bulls wanted #3 pick from Philly for Butler, now Celtics angling for Butler then Hayward. pic.twitter.com/ycSgrrrHhf— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 19, 2017
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Rumor: Sixers could get involved in Paul George-Kevin Love talks
Pacers star Paul George has reportedly told his team he will not re-sign in Indiana after the 2017-18 season. Therefore, the Pacers have reportedly spoken with teams about trading George, including rumored talks with the Cavaliers that could involve Kevin Love.
Joe Kotoch tweeted from @Probballdraft that he heard the Sixers could be a "possible landing spot" for Love if Pacers-Cavs talk go well and a third team is needed to jump in.
Hearing if Cavs-Pacers talks go well 76ers could be included as a 3rd team & possible landing spot for Love if IND prefer picks & prospects.— Probasketballdraft (@Probballdraft) June 19, 2017
He added that he heard the Sixers wanted to add shooters and a veteran to their core and "were willing to trade for it".
Heard before the draft 76ers wanted to add shooters and a veteran to young core and were willing to trade for it. Fultz and Love are that.— Probasketballdraft (@Probballdraft) June 19, 2017
Love averaged 19.0 points and 11.1 rebounds for the Cavs in 2016-17 while helping the team reach the NBA Finals. However, some view George as an upgrade over Love for the Cavaliers in their efforts to beat the Warriors in 2017-18.
Love's fit with the Sixers or the accuracy of this rumor are another question, but he would add a veteran presence and a strong three-point shot (37.3 percent from deep last year).
Andre Iguodala to consider leaving the Warriors
The former Sixers forward won his second NBA title this year with the Warriors. However, The Vertical's Shams Charania reported that the 13-year NBA veteran will strongly consider leaving the 2017 NBA champions in free agency.
This offseason is likely the last chance for the 33-year-old forward to earn a large contract on the open market and Charania reported there's a belief a wing like Iguodala could earn as much as $20 million per season on the open market.
Charania linked Iguodala to multiple teams but not the Sixers. The veteran very well may return to Golden State, yet his free agency is still worth monitoring.
