BALTIMOREThe offseason could be a busy one for Rod Thorn and the Sixers. With the draft quickly approaching and decisions to be made on the state of their roster, there could be more than a few arrivals and departures.
One of those departures likely will be guard Lou Williams.
Williams came off the bench and led the Sixers in scoring with 14.9 points per game this season, though his numbers dropped off during the playoffs. However, with an early termination option in his contract, Williams can opt out and test the free-agent market, perhaps to land a job as a starter elsewhere.
Thats exactly what the Sixers president expects from the teams leading scorer.
Right now I would say Williams probably will opt out of his contract, Thorn said.
Meanwhile, there were reports from the draft combine in Chicago this week that the Sixers were prepared to part ways with last years leading scorer, Elton Brand. With one year and 18 million-plus remaining on his contract, the Sixers were reported to be ready to use their amnesty clause on Brand, which means they can remove his contract from the salary cap and effectively waive the player.
There also is speculation that Brand also could use the early termination option in his contract and provide salary-cap relief by re-working his contract with the Sixers.
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As far as the reports and speculation goes, Thorn said the Sixers werent ready to commit to anything just yet.
We have not decided yet on anything else, Thorn said.
The first decision likely will concern which player to draft with the No. 15 overall pick. The Sixers also hold the 45th and 54th picks in the second round of the June 28 draft.
E-mail John Finger at jfinger@comcastsportsnet.com