2 years beneath the Karl-Anthony Towns-Mitchell Robinson learning tree, Ariel Hukporti finally ready to leave the nest, heading up the turnpike to start his new life as Joel Embiid’s backup in Philadelphia, signing a 1-year $3.4 million deal with the Sixers.
How can the Sixers afford Ariel Hukporti?
While most of the team’s mid level expemption is going into Dean Wade’s bank account, Philly has a few coins left over to give Hukporti a 1-year “prove-it” deal.
What does Ariel Hukporti bring to the Sixers?
Ariel will compete for the backup center job with the incumbent, Adem Bona—a player crucial for any head coach who wants to send a bench player out there for a retaliation foul.
Hukporti is an NBA champion, capable of defending the rim and getting a little busy on offense; that’s that German in him.
Adem Bona go smash.
Signing Grade: B
The only thing keeping this trade from an A grade is the punt on Hukporti long-term.
If Ariel outperforms his contract, proving a valuable backup for Joel Embiid, well, now you have to re-sign him for wayyy more dollars.
The Sixers have about $4 million left and an almost full roster so it’s not as if they couldn’t have thrown Ariel an extra milly or two for at least a team option on the back end of this.
Either way, I think I’ve made it clear Ariel Hukporti is better than Adem Bona.
Why didn’t the Knicks bring back Ariel Hukporti?
New York had the opportunity to tender his qualifying offer of about $2.5 million, making him a restricted free agent, allowing them to match any offer but with the second apron pressing a gun against the Knicks temples, no qualifying offer made, granting Hukporti true free agency.
Now both Mitchell Robinson and Ariel Hukporti are gone, death by second apron.
We’ll always remember Hukporti appearing in TWO NBA Finals games because everyone was in foul trouble.
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