Second-round pick J.P. Tokoto didn’t let the 76ers use him. Rather than playing overseas for less money and not gaining a year of NBA service, he took Philadelphia’s required tender.
Jordan McRae took the opposite approach last year, signing in Australia after the 76ers acquired the 2014 second-rounder in a draft-night trade.
Will McRae do Philadelphia another favor this year?
Indications are no, but we will find out.
Derek Bodner of Liberty Ballers:
The #sixers have submitted the required tender for Jordan McRae in advance of today's deadline, per a league source.
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) September 10, 2015
Because the 76ers offered McRae the required tender – a one-year contract, surely unguaranteed at the minimum – they’d keep his rights another year if he signs elsewhere. They want him to do that, so he can develop on someone else’s dime without occupying an NBA roster spot.
But if McRae is no longer cool with that and accepts the tender – or negotiates another deal with the 76ers – they’d be in pickle.
The 76ers have officially signed 18 players, according to Basketball Insiders. They’ve also reportedly agreed to terms with Christian Wood and T.J. McConnell, which would give them 20 players.
Twenty is the offseason and preseason roster limit.
McCrae would bring them to 21, which isn’t allowed. Philadelphia could always waive someone to make room – maybe even McRae – but at least one presumptive 76er won’t be with the team to begin training camp.