Whether the process is over or still ongoing, the Sixers are entering a new chapter in the direction of the team. It is one in which veteran leadership for the young core is highly revered, so much so that the Sixers are willing to pay up for it.
The Sixers on Saturday agreed to a one-year contract with shooting guard JJ Redick worth $23 million, according to a league source (see story). That's $280,487.81 per regular-season game.
The Sixers also agreed to a one-year, $11 million deal with forward Amir Johnson, according to a source (see story). As of Saturday, Johnson will be the second-highest paid player on the Sixers next season behind Redick.
These paychecks, Redick's in particular, are representative of the Sixers' commitment to improving the team — now. They aren't building a roster looking to knock off the Cavaliers, but rather one that can take a critical step in the development of the organization. The Sixers need to surround players like Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Markelle Fultz and Dario Saric with veterans to make that happen.
Johnson will be entering his 13th season; Redick his 12th. Both made their NBA debuts in 2006, the same year Fultz turned 8 years old.
The two, along with Jerryd Bayless, can instill lessons of professionalism and accountability to achieve lengthy NBA careers. Both Johnson and Redick are seasoned in the playoffs and know how to take care of their bodies. Johnson played 80 games last regular season while Redick missed only four.
Yes, Redick will add instant offense with his dangerous long-range shot and Johnson will provide versatility in the frontcourt, but the bigger value could be the influence they have on the younger players. Embiid and Simmons already welcomed Redick's addition with approvals on social media (see story).
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The short-term commitments to Johnson and Redick keep in line with the Sixers' desire to maintain salary cap flexibility for the future, including free agency and a potential contract extension for Embiid. If all goes well, the Sixers could revisit their contract situations for the following season and perhaps negotiate for more years at a discount. Or, the players could part ways and find new teams. Either outcome, the Sixers won't have their hands tied contractually when they enter the market in the summer of 2018.
The Sixers have inked two long-term veterans to short-term deals. If the young players soak up everything Johnson and Redick have to offer, just one season could be enough to make a long-lasting impact.