Debating the pros and cons of OKC Thunder GM Sam Presti accepting 76ers job

Future assets and Cap Space

Most of the Sixers’ treasured assets from “The Process” are gone. But that doesn’t mean Philly is out of ammo. In fact they’re far from it. The Sixers can still get that coveted first round pick if the Sacramento Kings wind up finishing last and the balls drop right. Knowing Sacramento and the NBA’s new lottery odds system that makes it easier for teams with better records to get the first pick, that’s not out of the questions.

The Sixers still own all their first round picks in each of the next seven drafts. Plus, they acquired the Miami Heat’s first rounder in 2021. Considering the fact high schoolers may be allowed to enter the draft again, that pick could be a major trading chip going forward.

Philly is loaded with second round picks. In addition to having their own every year going forward, they have two additional second rounders in 2019, two extra in 2020, three extra in 2021, and an extra each in 2022 and 2023. Second round picks obviously don’t always pan out, but the more shots you get, the better off you are. As one of the more savvy GM’s Presti would surely be able to maximize the assets he has without being too short-sighted.

In terms of salary, the Sixers should have flexibility going forward. Embiid recently signed his five-year $148 million dollar deal that starts this year. Of course, that deal is loaded with incentives depending on how many games he plays.

Simmons and Šaric aren’t due for new deals until 2020. Fultz is on his rookie-scale deal through 2021. Starting small forward Robert Covington is on a team-friendly deal through 2022.

Sportrac.com projects the Sixers to have north of $40.5 million in cap space next offseason, the seventh highest in the league. This team has no awful contracts and a plethora of money going forward.