After making a couple of major changes up top, the Philadelphia 76ers are evidently gearing up for what should be a highly eventful offseason. While the front office will not be wielding significant spending power this summer, there remains some pathways for this team to make noise in the transaction tables, especially in the trade market.
To that effect, the team might have just created a valuable trade asset by accident. Case in point? Look no further than Dominick Barlow, who turned in a breakout campaign for the 76ers this season almost out of nowhere, only to see his in-house value wane as the season went long after the coaching staff decided to mothball him in the playoffs.
Barlow only has one year left on his deal assuming that the 76ers will pick up their team option on his new standard NBA contract. Obviously, they would –– and should –– want him back, although the door is wide open for them to make the most out of his external value. After all, he was very serviceable for the team as a versatile big man.
The 76ers unexpectedly have a valuable trade asset in the form of Dominick Barlow
Prospective buyers will be wary of the fact that there is very little roster control with Barlow, who might end up being a one-year rental. However, he is still so young that there is a lot of potential for growth with him. Teams will see the body of work he turned in this season for the 76ers and be impressed with the way he's played despite his rather limited repertoire at this juncture.
As a defensive-minded big man mobile enough to guard perimeter players, Barlow will be plenty attractive for teams in need of reinforcement on defense. His offensive skill set is admittedly shallow at this point in time, but he has never really been put in a position where he is free to hunt for his shots or where his teammates are empowered to find him constantly.
Of course, the 76ers will most likely prefer to keep Barlow given the boost he has given them, but it is clear that the roster simply is not conducive enough to the prospect of him playing heavy minutes, especially when the stakes are high. As such, for the right offer, the front office should heavily consider biting.
In Dominick Barlow, the 76ers have a pretty valuable asset that they can either hold onto or dangle away for assets. That is already one hell of a return for someone whom they signed to a two-way contract. No matter how it ends, the team stands to win.
