Doug Collins Wants Spencer Hawes In 'Pau Gasol Role'

The new Philadelphia 76ers big-men tandem of Spencer Hawes and Andrew Bynum is expected to be one of the best in the NBA in 2012-13. And if coach Doug Collins had it his way, the two would be just like a duo Bynum is familiar with.

"I want (Hawes) to play the Pau Gasol role with Bynum," Collins said. "Both (Hawes and Gasol) like to play out on the perimeter because they can shoot the ball and are very good passers."

That's what Collins told NBA.com writer Max Rapport, who wrote an piece about Hawes' expectations for the upcoming season.

In the conclusion, Rapport said if Hawes is healthy for a full year and he works as well as Gasol did alongside Bynum, this could be a breakout year for the 23-year-old forward.

The full piece can be read here.

For more on the Sixers, visit Liberty Ballers. For all your NBA news, visit SB Nation's NBA hub.

Kareem Abdul-Jabar Questions Andrew Bynum's Ability To Lead

After calling the city of Philadelphia "my home" during his introductory press conference last week, Philadelphia 76ers' center Andrew Bynum is expected to hang around for a bit and become one of the leaders of the franchise. However, there are some skeptics that believe the 24-year-old doesn't have what it takes to be a leader. One of those skeptics is NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who spoke to the Los Angeles Times just before Bynum's introduction to Philly.

"When I first started working with him, he was eager to learn," Abdul-Jabbar said. "He appreciated me shortening the learning curve. Once he figured he did everything he wanted to do in terms of learning, he didn't want me to bother him constantly going over the fundamentals."

Abdul-Jabbar didn't rule out that Bynum's attitude could change.

Abdul-Jabbar said he was unsure if Bynum would thrive in a larger role in Philadelphia: "It's up to him to determine how much of a leader he wants to be and how to make that happen on the court. Some people like that position and adjust to it naturally. Other people aren't comfortable with it."

For more on Bynum's introduction with the Sixers, visit Liberty Ballers. For all your analysis of the Bynum and Dwight Howard blockbuster, visit SB Nation's NBA hub.

Andrew Bynum Makes The Front & Back Pages

Andrew Bynum Press Conference: Sixers Center Could 'Make Home' In Philadelphia

New Philadelphia 76ers Andrew Bynum and Jason Richardson were introduced at the Constitution Center on Wednesday afternoon. Bynum was the second biggest piece in the Dwight Howard blockbuster trade which was finalized last week. With the Olympics now over, all the moving pieces are officially landing in their new spots and being introduced.

The most notable quote coming from Bynum's press conference was his intimation that he may make Philadelphia his home. The big man is set to become a free agent at the end of the 2012-13 season. Via @Sixers:

"I'm really leaning towards making this (Philly) my home." - Andrew Bynum #NEWSIXERS

— Philadelphia 76ers (@Sixers) August 15, 2012

Of course, one of the biggest unknowns in the Dwight Howard trade market was whether or not a deal involving Bynum would lead to more than just a one-year rental. That was a risk the Sixers were willing to take. Bynum's above response to the extension issue is certainly a good place to start, and the crowd erupted with applause.

Bynum also stated that he was happy to be moving back east, indicating that it felt like he was "coming home." He talked about his brief time in Philly so far, via Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated:

"I just thought I was coming home, man. I was super excited. I thought it was time for a change, to be honest. I'm here now, and I'm loving the city. I've been here for two days, and everybody's been great to me. I had an opportunity to go to some nice restaurants and things like that, so I'm really enjoying it."

While he's been criticized for his attitude and maturity at times in LA, Wednesday was certainly an exemplary press conference in which he said all the right things.

For more on Bynum's introduction with the Sixers, visit Liberty Ballers. For all your analysis of the Bynum and Dwight Howard blockbuster, visit SB Nation's NBA hub.

Andrew Bynum Press Conference Today At Constitution Center

The Sixers are pulling out all the stops as they welcome Andrew Bynum to Philadelphia. There won't be a simple press conference at the arena as usual. They've moved this one to Old City at the National Constitution Center, which has previously played host to dignitaries such as Barack Obama, Bono, Bill Clinton & George H.W. Bush.

In a few weeks, the Constitution Center will even host Muhammad Ali as he receives the Liberty Medal. But today, the honoree is clearly Bynum.

The Sixers have a lot of motivation to make this as big a deal as possible. For one, Bynum is their first legit superstar since Allen Iverson and could bring the franchise back to their heights of success and popularity it enjoyed during AI's days. But also, Bynum will be a free agent after this summer and the Sixers will be hoping to woo the 24 year old enough to make sure he resigns. The fact that Philly will be able to pay him more money than anyone else will likely be what locks that up, but making the player feel special certainly won't hurt either.

The presser is open to the public if you get down there now, but it will also be streamed live on Sixers.com at noon.

For a full recap of the press conference, check our Andrew Bynum stream at SBNation Philly.

Sixers To Formally Introduce Andrew Bynum On Wednesday

The four team blockbuster deal between the Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic, Denver Nuggets and the hometown Philadelphia 76ers shook the NBA world last week with Philly emerging as a big winner as the team came away with one of the best big men in the game in Andrew Bynum.

The Sixers will formally introduce the 24-year-old Bynum at a public press conference today at the National Constitution Center in Old City. The doors open at 9am.

The Constitution Center has played host to former presidents George HW Bush, Bill Clinton and even current President Barakc Obama. People like Muhammad Ali and Bono have been honored there.

Now, Andrew Bynum joins that distinguished list.

Bynum brings several elements with him to the Sixers which include two championship rings earned with the Lakers in 2009 and 2010. He also brings a dominant low-post presence at the center position, the likes of which Sixers fans haven't seen since Moses Malone.

The press conference is scheduled to take place at 12:15 p.m. ET.

A look at the big board inside the @constitutionctr where #Sixers will introduce Bynum and Richardson. twitter.com/Sixers/status/…

— Philadelphia 76ers (@Sixers) August 15, 2012

Read more on the 76ers at Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly. Head over to our NBA hub page for news and analysis around the league.

Report: Andrew Bynum "Beyond Thrilled" About Situation In Philadelphia

Philadelphia was excited to swap Andre Iguodala for Andrew Bynum in the four-team trade that sent Dwight Howard to the Lakers. The Sixers can rest assured that the feeling is at least somewhat mutual:

Sources close to Andrew Bynum say he is beyond thrilled about the situation in Philadelphia. He’ll get the chance to be his own star, be the focal point of the team and remain in the discussion as an All-Star starter.

The question for the Sixers' front office was whether it was worth it trading for Bynum, who only has a year left on his contract. But it appears Bynum is "almost assured" to stick with the Sixers after the season's end: in part because its a favorable situation for a young talent such as Bynum, and in part because Philadelphia can offer him more money than any other team.

Bynum had a reputation for being a somewhat pouty and dissatisfied with the situation in Los Angeles as a younger player, but this report makes it seem as if that attitude is a thing of the past for the new focal point of Philly's basketball team, which is certainly a good thing.

For more on Bynum and the Sixers, check out Liberty Ballers and continue to check out SB Nation Philly.

Andre Iguodala Trade: Magic Didn't Want Sixers Forward, Rod Thorn Says

Former Philadelphia 76ers forward Andre Iguodala became an integral piece in the climax of the Dwight Howard fiasco this past weekend when he was traded from Philadelphia to the Denver Nuggets as part of the four-team deal which landed Howard with the Los Angeles Lakers. In a recent interview, 76ers president Rod Thorn stated that originally, the 76ers were interested in acquiring Dwight Howard themselves, saying:

Initially we were talking to Orlando about Dwight Howard. That's how it got started.

However, those negotiations hit a snag on one issue -- the Magic did not want Olympian Andre Iguodala. Speaking with Mike Missanelli on 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia, Thorn said the following:

It's interesting in that we've been talking to the Lakers and to Orlando for the last three weeks. We've been talking about different deals, various deals...And then it really came down to, Orlando - they did not want to keep Iguodala because they're going in a different way.

The Orlando Magic's logic behind rejecting Iguodala is more than likely based in their financial plans for the future. Iguodala is owed close to $15 million for this upcoming season, and he holds a player option worth close to $16 million for the following season.

Instead, the Magic acquired Arron Afflalo, Al Harrington, a number of other role players and draft picks.

For more on the teams involved with the Howard deal, visit Magic blog Orlando Pinstriped Post, Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll, Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Sixers blog Liberty Ballers.

Andrew Bynum Injury: 76ers' Center To Undergo Precautionary Knee Procedure In September

Andrew Bynum will undergo a non-invasive precautionary knee procedure in Germany this September. The procedure is non-surgical, and has been performed on the likes of Kobe Bryant, Grant Hill and Alex Rodriguez. Bynum's knees are doing fine, according to sources, but the newly-minted Philadelphia 76ers center has had surgery on both of his knees in the past.

The procedure, known as Orthokine/Regenokine, is not yet performed in the United States, and is a form of platelet-rich therapy that spins blood until it is full of healing platelets. Bryant underwent the procedure to help keep the cartilage in his knees from wearing.

Bynum has had trouble with his knees in recent seasons. He dislocated his left knee cap during the 2007-08 season and had to undergo arthroscopic surgery that May. The big man had surgery on his right knee after the 2009-10 season.

For more on Bynum and the Sixers, check out Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly.

Andrew Bynum Trade: Buyer Beware, But Who Cares?

The Andrew Bynum trade was one the 76ers had to make, but the acquisition is not without plenty of risk. Then again, you don't get anywhere in life without taking risks.

Philadelphia 76ers Odds And Ends After Andrew Bynum Trade

A look at the 76ers potential starting lineup, salary cap flexibility, and draft pick situation after the Andrew Bynum trade.

Philadelphia 76ers Build Andrew Bynum Billboard An Hour After Trading For Him

Andrew Bynum Trade Reactions: 76ers Look Like Winners In Trade

With the news of the Philadelphia 76ers acquiring Andrew Bynum in the Dwight Howard deal, the reactions to the trade have made the 76ers come out as one of the winners in the four-team trade.

Sam Amick of SI.com thinks the 76ers did a great job getting one of the best big men in the game in Bynum and have a great chance to re-sign the center to a long term deal:

As for the Sixers, they shed Iguodala's $30.6 million for the next two seasons (including a player option in 2013-14) while getting a chance to secure a long-term relationship with one of the premier big men in the game in Bynum.

While Bynum has shown a strong interest in testing free agency next summer, the fact that Philadelphia would have his Bird Rights is a huge factor. The Sixers would be allowed to offer him a five-year deal with 7.5 percent annual raises as opposed to a maximum of four years and 4.5 percent annual raises for any other team.

Dei Lyman of CSNPhilly.com notes that Bynum has had his issues while with the Lakers, but it is worth the risk as Bynum will be the star 76ers fans have been wishing for since Allen Iverson left the team:

Bynum does come with a reputation of being difficult at times, but great talent often requires a franchise to work a little harder to keep the star happy. Allen Iverson had his moments, as did Charles Barkley, but their contributions to success far outweighed the drama they occasionally created.

This city has been starving for the Sixers to land a star since the departure of Iverson, and acquiring that guy proved a difficult task that took time. Bynum can be that guy and with Howard out of the conference, the Sixers now have the best big man in the East.

Should the trade go through, it will be quite a coup for 76ers president Rod Thorn. When asked how the team can become a possible contender for a championship, three words usually weren’t too far from coming out of his mouth: "Dominant big man."

Coach Doug Collins has commented on how nice it would be to have that hulking force in the post.

That force appears to be on the way.

Iggy isn't quite the superstar that some in Nuggets Nation have been clamoring over. With his addition and the subtraction of two main rotation guys, does the deal really make the Nuggets clearly a better team than the Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, or Dallas Mavericks? Not so fast. Could the deal propel Denver above the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, or Los Angeles Lakers? I don't see it.

Worst case scenario, I see this deal keeping the Nuggets in the middle of the pack out West. At best, I could see this deal and the improvement of other players on the roster propelling Denver to either the second or third seed out West, if everything broke right.

Read more on the 76ers at Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly. Head over to our NBA hub page for news and analysis around the league.

Andrew Bynum Trade Reaction: Sixers Take A "Step Towards A Championship"

Andrew Bynum Trade: Center To Join 76ers; Dwight Howard To Lakers, Andre Iguodala To Nuggets

After a flurry of rumors throughout Thursday evening, the four-team trade sending Andrew Bynum to the Philadelphia 76ers is complete, according to ESPN.com. The Sixers will also receive Jason Richardson in the deal. Andre Iguodala will become a member of the Denver Nuggets, and Moe Harkless and Nikola Vucevic will suit up for the Orlando Magic.

Of course, the whole deal revolved around Dwight Howard, who will finally be a member of the Los Angeles Lakers after an offseason of constant speculation and nearly-finished deals. The Magic receive an impressive haul for their troubles. Along with the two former 76ers, they will receive Arron Afflalo, Al Harrington and a protected first round draft pick from each of the three other teams involved.

Bynum is expected to re-sign in Philadelphia, giving the Sixers a solid post presence for seasons to come.

Read more on the 76ers at Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly. Head over to our NBA hub page for news and analysis around the league.

Andrew Bynum Trade: 4-Team Deal Sending Center To 76ers 'Very Close,' According To Report

Andrew Bynum may soon be a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, sources tell ESPN.com. According to the report, a four-team trade could be completed by Friday morning that would send Bynum to Philadelphia, Dwight Howard and Denver Nuggets forward Al Harrington to the Los Angeles Lakers, Pau Gasol and Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo to the Orlando Magic, and Andre Iguodala to Denver.

According to one source, the Sixers have not yet spoken with Bynum or his representatives. Bynum has just one year left on his contract, and has said all offseason that he would only sign an extension with the Lakers. Philadelphia is apparently willing to risk the center leaving after just one year to pull off the deal, however.

The deal would finally end the Howard saga that has tormented NBA fans for over a year. The Sixers would lose Iguodala in the process, but they would gain a solid post presence that has gone sorely missing in Philadelphia for a long time.

Read more on the 76ers at Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly. Head over to our NBA hub page for news and analysis around the league.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: 76ers Could Gain Andrew Bynum, Send Andre Iguodala To Nuggets In 4-Team Deal

As it was reported earlier Thursday, the 76ers are involved in the four-team trade discussion centered around the discontent of Magic center Dwight Howard. It could be worth it, though.

I speculated that Andrew Bynum could be apart of the deal for Philly, and according to Adrian Wojnarowski's report, that appears to be the case. Here are the details:

There are multiple moving parts in the fluid talks, but the framework of a possible deal includes Howard and Denver forward Al Harrington going to the Lakers, Philadelphia guard Andre Iguodala going to the Nuggets, Los Angeles center Andrew Bynum moving to the 76ers, and Los Angeles forward Pau Gasol and Denver guard Arron Affalo going to the Magic, sources told Yahoo! Sports.

It would be tough to see Iguodala go, especially as he comes into his own as a seasoned veteran, but building around Bynum could easily be viewed as more promising for the 76ers with all that young perimeter talent to pair him with.

Read more on the 76ers at Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly. Head over to our NBA hub page for news and analysis around the league.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: 76ers Involved In 4-Team Deal With Lakers, Nuggets And Magic

Has it been too long since you heard any Dwight Howard trade rumors? Well we've got some exciting stuff for you 76ers fans. Well, maybe. All that's being reported right now is that Philly is involved in a four-team trade discussion with the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets.

Here's Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports:

Orlando and the L.A. Lakers are engaged in 4-way talks with Denver and Philadelphia on a Dwight Howard blockbuster, league sources tell Y!

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) August 9, 2012

The four teams have been engaged in discussions for several days, league sources tell Y!No deal imminent, but talks have substance.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) August 9, 2012

The only team on that list that Howard has made it clear he's interested in playing for is the Lakers. So Philly is unlikely to land Howard, but could it be Andrew Bynum? Probably not. But no one knows yet, so stay here for more details as they come.

Read more on the 76ers at Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly. Head over to our NBA hub page for news and analysis around the league.

76ers Offseason 2012: Philadelphia Signs Maalik Wayns

From one team in Philadelphia to another.

On Monday, the Philadelphia 76ers announced the signing of Maalik Wayns, a rookie free-agent from Villanova, according to timesherald.com.

Supposedly the contract Wayns signed is comparable to the deal another local guy, Lavoy Allen was inked to, which was reportedly a $60,000 signing bonus and the rookie minimum of $473,604 if he makes the team.

The Philly native was by far the best player on his team last year. Despite the struggles of Villanova in 2011-12, Wayns was a star, scoring 17.6 point per game to accompany 4.6 assists.

Wayns is undersized at 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, but could grow more into that frame. The youngster showed off some ability this summer for the Orlando Magic in the Summer League, averaging over 11 points per contest.

With the injury suffered by Xavier Silas earlier in the offseason, the Sixers have some room at the guard position to give some people a chance.

For more on the 76ers, please be sure to check out our blog Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.

Royal Ivey Signing: Sixers Agree To Terms With Guard, According To Doug Collins

Philadelphia 76ers coach Doug Collins told reporters on Tuesday that the team has agreed to terms with guard Royal Ivey (via Sixers).

Ivey, an eight-year NBA veteran, played with the Sixers from 2008-2010 as a bench player and averaged 2.9 points and one rebound per game in 11.3 minutes per game. Last season, Ivey was with the Oklahoma City Thunder and played 10.4 minutes per game and scored 2.1 points per game. He also averaged 2.2 points per game in five playoff games last season.

Collins also told reporters that center Kwame Brown has passed his physical. The Sixers will be the seventh stop for Brown who was a former No. 1 overall draft pick out of high school in 2001 by the Wizards. Collins coached the Wizards when Brown was drafted.

For more coverage of the Philadelphia 76ers offseason, please be sure to check out our blog Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.

NBA Free Agency 2012: Elton Brand Claimed Off Amnesty Waivers By Dallas Mavericks

Former Philadelphia 76ers forward Elton Brand has been claimed by the Dallas Mavericks off amnesty waivers, according to a report (Adrian Wojnarowski).

The Sixers released Brand on Wednesday via the amnesty clause in the new NBA collective bargaining agreement. Philadelphia still has to pay out the final $18.2 million owed to Brand. The only teams eligible to claim Brand were those who were already under the salary cap. He would have been an unrestricted free agent if he had cleared waivers. The amount of the bid by the Mavericks for Brand is not known at this time.

Last season, Brand averaged 11.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.6 blocks per game for the Sixers in 28.9 minutes per contest. In the playoffs, he averaged 8.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.

For more coverage of the Philadelphia 76ers offseason, please be sure to check out our blog Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.

NBA Free Agency 2012: Spencer Hawes Officially Signs With Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers have officially agreed on a deal to re-sign Spencer Hawes, the team announced on Friday.

Though the team did not release the terms of his contract due to team policy, it has been reported that he will receive $13 million over two seasons.

The 7-foot-1 center averaged 9.6 points and 7.3 rebounds for the Sixers last season. During the team's playoff run, he contributed 9.3 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.

The 76ers reportedly signed Kwame Brown to a two year, $6 million contract on Friday to join Hawes in the front court. They have also drafted Maurice Harkless and Arnett Moultrie, re-signed Lavoy Allen and allowed leading scorer Lou Williams to leave via free agency for the Atlanta Hawks.

For more coverage of the Philadelphia 76ers offseason, please be sure to check out our blog Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.

NBA Free Agency 2012: Kwame Brown Signs With Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers have agreed to terms with free agent big man Kwame Brown, according to a report from Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.

Kwame Brown's deal with Philly will pay him nearly 6M over two years. Player option for second year.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 13, 2012

Brown averaged 6.3 points and 6.3 rebounds last year with the Golden St. Warriors, but underwent chest surgery that ended his season after just nine games. He was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks later in the season, but didn't appear in a single game with the Bucks because of the injury.

The acquisition of Brown could be part of a plan to move Spencer Hawes to the power forward position next season, as Doug Collins mentioned Friday. But that plan has serious issues, writes Michael Levin of Liberty Ballers.

Derek tweeted that Hawes has "defended the 4 for exactly 0 minutes last year." The only time he did in his career was for one lineup in 2008-09 with Sacramento. Defensively, this would be atrocious. Nothing less. They'll sign somebody like Brendan Haywood, who is pretty worthless, and won't trade Andre Iguodala. A lineup of Jrue/Wright/Iguodala/Hawes/Haywood is disgusting, finishes 9th or 10th in the East and doesn't develop the young guys how they should.

Just imagine someone even more lumbering than Hawes on the court with him. This is terrible even if we pretend like we want them to win games this year. I don't understand anything anymore. They ping-pong back and forth between logic and insanity with such regularity that I'm consistently pulling myself both ways on the team.

For more on the 76ers, visit Liberty Ballers.

Philadelphia 76ers Free Agency 2012: Elton Brand Wants To Go To Dallas

The Philadelphia 76ers made it official on Wednesday, using the amnesty clause to free themselves of Elton Brand's $18 million cap burden for the coming season. Brand is hoping that the Dallas Mavericks claim him off waivers, according to a report from David Aldridge of NBA.com.

Free-agent forward Elton Brand is hoping the Dallas Mavericks submit the winning bid for his services among eligible teams and claim him off of amnesty waivers, according to a source close to the 33-year-old...

Teams that are under the salary cap can bid on Brand, picking up a part of his salary for the season ahead. The same report said that the Bucks, Cavaliers and Raptors would not be making a bid for Brand. The Hornets and the Suns were said to be mulling the veteran.

For more on the 76ers, please be sure to check out our blog Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.

Orlando Pro Summer League Final Score: Justin Holiday Leads Sixers Past Nets, 79-71

The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 79-71, in Wednesday's Orlando Summer League action at Amway Center.

The teams battled back and forth during the first half with Brooklyn holding a three-point edge after the first quarter and the Sixers leading by three at halftime. Things ended up knotted up at 54 apiece after the third quarter. Ultimately, Philadelphia's hot shooting from three-point range would allow them to pull away in the final frame despite the Nets' 28-15 free throw advantage. The Sixers shot 8-18 from behind the arc while the Nets hit just three of their 18 three-point attempts.

The Sixers were led by Justin Holiday's 18 points. Holiday was 4-4 from behind the arc on the day. Xavier Silas and Solomon Jones also reached double figures for the Sixers with 10 and 12 points, respectively. Former Penn guard Zack Rosen came off the bench and had six points and six assists for Philadelphia in 17 minutes. St. John's product Moe Harkless did not play as he recovers from a hip injury. The Nets were led by Marshon Brooks' 18 points and Tornike Shengelia's 17 points. Bryant Dunston (14 points) and Tyshawn Taylor (12 points) also scored in double figures for Brooklyn.

The win was the first of the Summer League for the Sixers (1-2) while the Nets (0-3) have lost all of their games. The Sixers next game will be against the Orlando Magic (1-1) on July 12 at 5:00 p.m.

For more on the 76ers, please be sure to check out our blog Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.

Dorell Wright Trade: Jarrett Jack, Hornets Added To Deal; Alterations Shouldn't Impact Philadelphia 76ers

The trade that will bring Dorell Wright to the Philadelphia 76ers has been expanded to include the New Orleans Hornets, according to ESPN's Marc Stein.

The 76ers will not be impacted by the alterations to the deal, as they will still acquire Wright while surrendering the rights to Bosnian forward Edin Bavcic (a 2006 draftee of the Toronto Raptors). The original framework of the deal was to send Bavcic to the Golden State Warriors, but he will now go to the New Orleans Hornets, who in exchange will ship guard Jarrett Jack to the Warriors.

The Hornets will clear Jack's $5.4 million salary off their cap, while potentially clearing back court minutes for talented rookie Austin Rivers out of Duke.

Wright averaged 10.3 points and 4.6 rebounds last year in Golden State. Jack averaged 15.6 points and 6.3 assists with the Hornets.

For more on the 76ers, please be sure to check out our blog Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.

Sixers Free Agency 2012: Lou Williams Reportedly Signed With Hawks For Mid-Level Exception

Earlier on Tuesday it was reported that Lou Williams had agreed to a deal with the Atlanta Hawks. That multi-year deal with Atlanta will reportedly be worth the mid-level exception around $5 million (via ESPN).

Williams, the Atlanta native, opted out of the final year worth $6.39 million of his five-year pact with the Sixers in June.

Williams averaged a career-high 14.9 points and 3.5 assists last season for the Sixers and finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting. Williams led the Sixers in scoring despite being a player who came off the bench, something which hasn't happened in the NBA since the 1993-1994 season.

Williams has played his entire career for Philadelphia after being drafted by the Sixers in the second round in 2005.

For more on the 76ers, please be sure to check out our blog Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.

Dorell Wright Trade: Sixers Reportedly Acquire Forward From Warriors For Player To Be Named Later

The Philadelphia 76ers have reportedly acquired Dorell Wright from the Golden State Warriors for a player to be named later. Update (6:23 p.m.): It was previously reported that the Sixers were giving up a future draft pick to acquire Wright (via CSN Philly).

Wright averaged 10.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1 steal per game last season for the Warriors in 27 minutes per game. Wright is a career 36.5% three-point shooter and averages 1.1 made threes per game.

The Warriors have reportedly been trying to move Wright since before the NBA Draft. Wright's contract was expiring which made him an easy target to put on the trade block. Wright was a starter for Golden State and played 143 games at the small forward position for the Warriors in his two seasons with the club.

For more on the 76ers, please be sure to check out our blog Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.

Lou Williams Free Agency: Sixers Guard Reportedly Will Go To Atlanta Hawks

Free agent Philadelphia 76ers guard Lou Williams has agreed to a deal with the Atlanta Hawks, according to a report (via ESPN). Williams, a former second-round NBA Draft pick of the Sixers has played for the organization since 2005.

Williams, who was mostly used off the bench in his Philadelphia career, opted out of the final year of his five-year contract earlier this summer.

Williams averaged 14.9 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 26.3 minutes per game for the Sixers in 2011-2012. For his career, Williams averages 11.3 points, 3.0 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game. His scoring numbers last season were a career-high and led the Sixers despite not being a starter (the first player to accomplish this feat since Dell Curry of the Charlotte Hornets in 1993-1994).

For more on the 76ers, please be sure to check out our blog Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.

Orlando Pro Summer League Final Score: Sixers Fall To Pacers, 69-63

The Philadelphia 76ers were defeated by the Indiana Pacers on Monday in an Orlando Summer League game at Amway Center, 69-63. It was the first game in Summer League play for either team.

Both teams looked out of sync on the offensive end of the floor in this game, which should be expected. After one quarter of play the score was tied at 12. The scoring started to pickup after halftime with the Pacers scoring 21 points in both the third and fourth quarters. The Sixers led 30-27 at the half but just couldn't hit enough shots in the second half to keep pace with Indiana.

Sixers 2012 first-round NBA Draft pick Moe Harkless had nine points, five rebounds and an assist in the game in 23 minutes. Jacob Pullen led Philadelphia with 15 points and was 3-6 from behind the arc. Xavier Silas and Justin Holiday were also in double figures with 10 points for the Sixers. The Pacers were led by 19 points and nine rebounds by Orlando Johnson. Lance Stephenson was also in double figures for Indiana with 13 points and Miles Plumlee had nine points and 10 rebounds.

For more on the 76ers, please be sure to check out our blog Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.

Sixers Free Agency 2012: Kris Humphries Could Come To Philly

The Phiadelphia 76ers are in the market for a big body who can grab some boards and score on the low block. They may have found that man in Brooklyn Nets forward Kris Humphries.

The Nets have been trying to strike a deal for what seems like years for Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard, and need to shed Humphries to do so. According to LibertyBallers.com, the Sixers might be the team to take Humphries off their hands.

If you're a Philadelphia fan, the question is whether you want to give up anything to help Brooklyn become a powerhouse, even if you are acquiring a solid player. While Humphries would certainly provide an upgrade to Elton Brand, is it worth helping a division rival?

The Sixers will have to pay Humphries a sizable contract, something else to consider when pulling the trigger on such a deal. The last thing they need is to get caught with a deal that ends up being an albatross around the franchise's neck.

For more on the 76ers, please be sure to check out our blog Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.

2012 NBA Free Agency Rumors: Lou Williams Says He's Leaving Philadelphia 76ers

Free agent guard Lou Williams took to twitter on Friday to say that he won't be returning to the Philadelphia 76ers next season.

Philly, I appreciate you all. Unfortunately I will not be coming back, as an organization they decided to move in a different direction.

— Lou Williams (@TeamLou23) July 6, 2012

The 76ers have had an active Friday, acquiring Nick Young on a reported one-year, $6-million deal and using the amnesty clause on Elton Brand.

Williams came off the bench to average a team-leading 14.9 points last season to go along with 3.5 assists and 2.8 rebounds. During Philadelphia's surprise playoff run to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Williams averaged 11.5 points, 3.0 assists and 2.1 rebounds. As a 25-year-old with a real ability to score, he is likely to generate significant interest around the league.

For more on the 76ers, please be sure to check out our blog Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.

NBA Free Agency: 76ers Will Use Amnesty Clause On Elton Brand, According To Report

The Philadelphia 76ers have elected to use their amnesty clause on the final year of Elton Brand's contract, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports. The 76ers will be on the hook to pay Brand the $18 million owed to him, but by using the amnesty clause, that money will not be applied to the team's salary cap for the upcoming year.

Brand will now hit the amnesty waivers, where teams can bid for Brand and pay a portion of the $18 million contract owed to him. If someone does claim Brand off of the amnesty waivers; and it appears there is significant interest from other teams according to Wojnarowski, the 76ers would only have to pay the remaining balance of the contract after the claiming team's contract is subtracted from the $18 million.

One team that is already expressing interest for Brand's services are the Brooklyn Nets, but according to David Aldridge of TNT, the Nets would only pursue Brand if he clears amnesty waivers.

For more on the 76ers, please be sure to check out our blog Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.

2012 NBA Free Agency: Nick Young To Sign With 76ers, According To Reports

The Philadelphia 76ers have agreed in principle to sign Los Angeles Clippers guard Nick Young, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports. While the terms of the contract have yet to be finalized, Marc Stein of ESPN is reporting that Young will sign a one-year contract for around $6 million dollars.

In 62 games between the Clippers and the Washington Wizards, Young averaged 14.2 points and 2.1 rebounds a game for the two franchises. While Young was a starter in Washington, the Clippers utilized Young as their three-point specialist off the bench. Young had a few big moments with the Clippers during their postseason run, including his three three-pointers during Los Angeles' 21-point fourth quarter come-from-behind-win against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Young will compete for minutes on the wing against players that include Andre Iguodala, Evan Turner, Thaddeus Young and rookie Maurice Harkless.

For more on the 76ers, please be sure to check out our blog Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.

Andre Iguodala A Candidate For Team USA Olympic Spot

Spencer Hawes Re-Signs With Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers have agreed to a two-year deal with free agent center Spencer Hawes, according to a report from Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.

The deal is reportedly worth $13 million over two years.

Hawes averaged 9.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks with an 18.19 PER last season for the Sixers. His postseason averages of 9.3 points, 6.6 rebounds and 0.8 blocks were similar to his regular season production as he helped the Sixers to Game 7 against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

The Sixers still have a roster in flux, with Lou Williams still an unrestricted free agent and Andre Iguodala rumored to be on the trading block.

Philadelphia has already re-signed free agent big man Lavoy Allen and drafted rookies Arnett Moultrie of Missippi State and Moe Harkless of St. John's.

For more on the 76ers, please be sure to check out our blog Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.

Jrue Holiday Added To USA Select Team, Reportedly Wants Max Contract Extension

Philadelphia 76ers guard Jrue Holiday has been added to the USA Select Team that will play against the USA Olympic team this summer, according to a report from Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports.

Spears also reports that Holiday will be looking for a maximum contract extension. The 6-foot-4 point guard averaged 13.5 points, 4.5 assists and 3.5 rebounds last season, his third in the league. He boosted his production in the playoffs, averaging 15.8 points, 5.2 assists and 4.7 rebounds as Philadelphia earned a surprise berth in the second round and pushed the Boston Celtics to Game 7 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

At just 22 years old, Holiday is viewed as a player who should continue to develop. But a maximum contract extension would still be a surprise.

For more on the 76ers, please be sure to check out our blog Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.

Lavoy Allen Signs 2-Year Contract With 76ers

Lavoy Allen signed a two-year, $6 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday, Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reports. He was set to become a restricted free agent with start of free agency on July 1. Allen did not make much noise for the Sixers during the regular season, but he was excellent in the playoffs, especially against the Boston Celtics when he was instrumental in stifling Kevin Garnett at times defensively.

The SB Nation blog Liberty Ballers praised the the new contract, noting that Allen earned a fair deal considering his limitations:

The previously-ranked worst player in the NBA figured to make himself a pretty penny this offseason after that terrific Celtics series blanketing (compared to Spencer Hawes) Kevin Garnett most of the game. But the Sixers remained confident they would sign him and this is a very, VERY fair deal. The kind of deal that says they didn't overreact and panic after the strong playoffs. The kind of deal that says Lavoy probably took a hometown discount because the kid wants to stay in Philly (Pennsbury, Temple, Sixers).

Allen's new contract could mean the end of Hawes' stint in Philly. Hawes is an unrestricted free agent, and the Sixers aren't desperate for more big men now that Allen is in the fold.

For more on the 76ers, please be sure to check out our blog Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.

76ers Offseason 2012: List of Philly Free Agents

With the NBA free agency period set to begin on July 1, the Philadelphia 76ers will face tough decisions regarding eight players from last year's roster. A list of those players is below.

Restricted free agents:

Lavoy Allen

Unrestricted free agents:

Tony Battie

Craig Brackins

Spencer Hawes

Jodie Meeks

Xavier Silas

Sam Young

Lou Williams

The 76ers declined qualifying offers for Meeks, Silas and Young, making them unrestricted free agents. While Philadelphia would like to bring back leading scorer and sixth man Lou Williams, he will be a hot commodity for other teams in need of backcourt help. Starting center Spencer Hawes, who averaged 9.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, will also command attention in the free agent market.

The one player the 76ers should be able to retain this offseason is Lavoy Allen--assuming, that is, Philadelphia is willing to match another team's offer for the big man who contributed to Philly's postseason run as a rookie.

For more on the 76ers, please be sure to check out our blog Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.

76ers Offseason 2012: No Qualifying Offer For Jodie Meeks

The Sixers have decided against making a qualifying offer to Jodie Meeks, making him an unrestricted free agent on Sunday.