The Philadelphia 76ers have finally added a player of note in free agency. After being rather thrifty and conservative under former GM Sam Hinkie, the Sixers made it clear that a new regime is in charge on Friday by reportedly coming to terms with Jerryd Bayless on a three-year, $27 million deal.
AP Source: 76ers agree to terms with Jerryd Bayless on 3 year, $27M deal
— Jon Krawczynski (@APkrawczynski) July 1, 2016
Bayless won't move the needle much in Philadelphia but he is a very solid, dependable player. And with Ish Smith leaving in free agency, Bayless will likely become the Sixers' new starting point guard. This should be a good thing for Philly as having an older and more experienced guard like Bayless to run the offense will be quite beneficial to its rather young roster.
Bayless' prior relationship with Sixers GM Brian Colangelo likely helped to make this deal happen. When Colangelo was the general manager in Toronto, he acquired Bayless in a trade and often spoke highly of him.
Signing Bayless was also a necessary move for the Sixers. He fills their need at point guard and the Sixers had to spend around $45 million just to get to the salary floor. The money had to go somewhere and the Sixers made a wise investment with Bayless.
