How the Dallas Mavericks Can Capitalize Off LeBron James’ Free Agency

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 7: Joel Embiid #21 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers talk during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 5, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers may be the best fit on the court for LeBron James. Putting him in between Philly’s two nuclear weapons in Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid might make them the most formidable team in the Eastern Conference right away. The 76ers would still need to make several moves in order to facilitate a max contract, however, and the Mavericks should take a look.

The 76ers own the tenth pick of this year’s draft, which has a cap hold of just over $2.5 million. Philly could look to move that pick in order to clear even more cap space and get themselves far enough under the cap with the hopes of then being able to resign at least one of their free agents.

Jerryd Bayless is still under contract with the team and has a cap figure of just under $9 million. While $9 million may not quite be enough to warrant a top ten pick, the 76ers might have their LeBron hopes up just enough that it makes them willing to part with a pick that high along with Bayless’ deal. The Mavs could swing a deal that relieves the 76ers of salary and gets them some extra cash. The more likely scenario is that the 76ers attach the 26th pick in the draft along with Bayless’ bloated deal.

One final scenario involves backup point guard T.J. McConnell. The 26-year-old made a name for himself this past season as a do-everything burst off the bench who gave Sixers coach Brett Brown excellent energy in the playoffs.

The Mavs could actually send the 76ers the 5th pick in the draft in exchange for the tenth pick, one of Philadelphia’s four second round picks, and T.J. McConnell. The move would be a dream come true for the Sixers, who would get out from under the price of two extra draft picks while still moving up five spots within the top ten.

Next: 3. Houston Rockets

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