As expected, Christian Wood apparently officially signed with the 76ers:
Congratulations @Chriswood_5 on officially signing with the @Sixers ! pic.twitter.com/6T7hYhrbhV
— You First Sports USA (@YFsportsUSA) September 14, 2015
Assuming that contract was executed, it clarifies Philadelphia’s bind.
Wood gives the 76ers 19 players with contracts. The offseason roster limit is 20.
But there are at least two unsigned players in limbo.
Philadelphia plans to sign to sign T.J. McConnell to a contract guaranteed for at least $100,000, according to Bruce Pascoe of the Arizona Daily Star.
The 76ers also have an outstanding required tender to 2014 second-rounder Jordan McRae, who reportedly plans to attend training camp. The only way to attend training camp is with a contract.
Perhaps, McConnell’s deal was contingent a roster spot being open. Maybe McRae changed his mind and is willing to be stashed. Either or both reports could have been inaccurate all along.
But, if McConnell and McRae are both headed to Philadelphia’s training camp, something has to give.
A simple solution would be waiving Gerald Wallace, an over-the-hill veteran who’s owed $10,105,855 in the final season of his contract. He doesn’t fit the 76ers’ plan, and his contract is less likely to facility a trade because they already have cap room. I wouldn’t be surprised if Philadelphia general manger Sam Hinkie – strategically, in case something comes up – is waiting until the last possible moment to drop Wallace.
The 76ers could also wait to sign McConnell – McRae has more ability to force their hand – and then sign McConnell after the first cut of training camp. The 76ers can’t open training camp with all 21 players linked to them, but they could cycle them through 20 at a time.
No matter what happens, the status of Philadelphia’s reported plans will change before training camp.