Free-Agency Frenzies

The Philadelphia Flyers have made another move via a trade to start off free agency. With very little cap space, the team has had to be creative to make moves not only to help the big roster, but to provide depth.

Today, the Flyers traded Denis Gauthier and a 2010 second-round pick to Los Angeles for young defenseman Patrik Hersley and LW Ned Lukacevic. Both players acquired will likely not see the NHL roster next year. Both players played for the Reading Royals, the Kings' ECHL club. Hersley had 3 goals and 15 assists in 20 games for Reading while Lukacevic had 17 goals and 19 assists in 61 games. Gauthier was waived recently as the Flyers were preparing to buy him out. Don't expect much else to be done by the Flyers. They have very, very little cap space.

Free Agency also began for the NBA today and the Sixers plan to be big spenders as they look to add someone to the front-court that can consistently score. Many people feel that the Sixers would be going after Elton Brand, but according to AJC sports via the 700 level, Stefanski wants Smith to visit Philadelphia as early as Wednesday.Josh Smith, who has yet to turn 23, is a 6'9" 235 lb power forward who averaged 17.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks. He also averaged 1.5 steals and 3.5 assists last year. Josh Smith's talent is only going to rise with more experience. A front line of Young, Smith, and Dalembert shall be a very, very good defensive front and it should force opposing teams to attempt more jump shots.

The Sixers have given out qualifying offers to both Andre Iguodala and Louis Williams and though Igoudala has coveted by Memphis, it is highly doubtful that Iguodala will not be in Philly. Hopefully Snider shows a consistent must-win attitude with the Sixers like he generally does with the Flyers.

Another potential player that the 76ers may look at it is shooting guard J.R. Smith. Having played against him personally in high school, I witness his talent when he was 16. Drafted out of high school, Smith has always been one who could shoot the lights out. Last year with Denver, he shot 40% from the field and averaged 12.3 points per game in only a little over 19 minutes per.

The real question for the Sixers is whether or not they feel the addition of Josh Smith will make them more of a contender over the addition of J.R. The Sixers desperately need a shooter as they were last in the league in three pointers made; however, they desperately need a consistent scorer at the 4. The questions will be asked sooner than later I'd assume. Both Josh and J.R. are restricted free agents.