At face value, it didn’t make much sense for No. 58 pick J.P. Tokoto to play overseas or in the D-League rather than signing with the 76ers.
Even if Tokoto had to accept the required tender – a one-year contract, surely unguaranteed at the minimum, a team must extend to retain a draft pick’s rights – he’d be better off with the 76ers.
First of all, they might keep him. The rookie minimum probably bests offers in other leagues.
And if they waive him, he could seek an offer from any NBA team, not just the one that drafted him. He wouldn’t be stuck negotiating with just Philadelphia. Given that Tokoto fell all the way to No. 58, he might not get any other NBA offers. But, even in that worst-case scenario, he’d be in the same boat – headed overseas or to the D-League. This way, when he tried to return to the NBA, he could seek an offer from any team.
So, despite a previous report to the contrary, Tokoto will apparently sign with Philadelphia.
Shams Charania of RealGM:
76ers 58th overall pick J.P. Tokoto plans to sign a training camp deal, discussing terms with Philadelphia, league source tells RealGM.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 31, 2015
We’ll see whether Tokoto just accepts the tender or signs a longer contract. The 76ers surely want to lock him up for as long as possible on a low-paying deal in case he develops. They also surely want to minimize his guarantees in case he doesn’t. So, it’s a tradeoff. They can offer more guaranteed money in exchange for lengthening the contract.
Tokoto always has the required tender, which K.J. McDaniels took, in his back pocket if Philadelphia doesn’t make a satisfying offer.
To be clear, Tokoto can attend training camp only with an NBA contract. At that point, the 76ers can either keep him or waive him. If they waive him, they’d lose his rights. Once he signs, there’s no way for the 76ers to keep his rights while he develops elsewhere unless they assign him to the D-League. But in that event, he’d continue to count against Philadelphia’s cap at his NBA salary and take up a roster spot.