The Sixers are one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference — that much is clear after their win over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.
What is also clear? That the team is in need of some depth, especially at the perimeter.
Some help could be on the way.
There is a strong possibility that forward Wesley Matthews will be released soon, following the decision by the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday to include him a deal that sent Kristap Porzingis from the New York Knicks to Dallas. In addition to Matthews, center DeAndre Jordan is also viewed as a potential buyout candidate.
Of the two, however, it is Matthews that has reportedly caught the eye of the Sixers, according to a report from Philly Voice:
Philadelphia is interested in Matthews should he make it to the buyout market, multiple sources confirmed to PhillyVoice on Thursday afternoon. His current, pre-buyout salary makes him cost-prohibitive to trade for, but the Sixers have minutes free in the rotation, a chance to compete in the playoffs, and have their mid-level exception available to offer to potential candidates on the buyout market.
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If Matthews does indeed hit free agency, it will be interesting to see if he decides to join the Sixers. Matthews would certainly have plenty of minutes available to him in Philadelphia, and it would give Matthews a chance to play for a team that has a legitimate chance of going to the NBA Finals. Matthews would fill a huge need on the Sixers as a perimeter defender and another shooter, as Matthews is a career 38% shooter from three. The fit between the two sides seems like a natural one.
If the Sixers decide they want to make sure they land Matthews, they could make an offer to the Knicks, ensuring they don't have to compete for him with other teams as a free agent.
Either way, Matthews should be viewed as a player that is very much on the Sixers' radar over the next week.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
