Later this week, on Thursday at 6 p.m. EST, the 2022 NBA free agency period will kick off. Although the Philadelphia 76ers are not ripe with financial freedom, they surely intend to use this opportunity as a means to bolster the roster to true contender levels. Reported interest of potential targets, notably P.J. Tucker at this point, are already emerging.

If James Harden opts in, they dont have any true free agents themselves from last years team. However, on this post, well be sure to continually update everyone about trade rumors involving the Sixers, any signings they agree to, the looming Harden situation and any relevant league-wide happenings.

The prevailing sentiment for weeks, led by Bleacher Reports Jake Fischer, has been that Harden will exercise his $47 million player option for 2022-23 and sign a two-year extension. Yet on Monday, Marc Stein mentioned the possibility Harden declines the option, signs a new three-year deal at a price point below the max with the Sixers and brings them some added financial flexibility.

The veteran wing declined his $7.4 million player option for 2022-23 and will enter free agency later this week. Various sources, including Stein and Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, have linked Philadelphia as his primary suitor, likely on a three-year, $30 million contract.

No concrete trade has been mentioned as it pertains to Philadelphia moving Thybulle. For weeks, he was listed as someone who could be packaged alongside the No. 23 pick and Danny Green. Obviously, that did not materialize and Thybulle remains with the Sixers at this point. The Portland Trail Blazers reportedly have interest in the 25-year-old, though.

Similar to Thybulle, specifics of a trade involving Harris have not surfaced. While theres been speculation Philadelphia may move Harris to open the non-taxpayer mid-level exception (~$10 million) and sign Tucker with it, reports indicate the Sixers would prioritize trades to offload various smaller contracts rather than Harris and his two-year, $77 million deal.

Korkmaz, owed $10.3 million over the next two years, is among those players on smaller deals than Harris who could be dealt.

Milton, due just under $2 million next season, joins Korkmaz as another candidate here.

See above, with Korkmaz and Milton.

According to Pompey and Alykhan Bijani of The Athletic, the Sixers and Houston Rockets engaged on discussions around Gordon last week. That report went live shortly before Thursdays NBA Draft, when Philadelphia landed DeAnthony Melton in exchange for the No. 23 pick and Danny Green. Despite that move, though, Pompey still reported the Sixers have interest in acquiring Gordon.

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Sixers and NBA free agency tracker - Liberty Ballers