NBA Rumors: 76ers Linked to Klay Thompson, Zach LaVine, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

The Philadelphia 76ers haven't been past the second round of the playoffs since 2001, and they will need more around Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey if that is going to change next season.

With that in mind, Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports examined the team's approach to the offseason Thursday and connected Klay Thompson, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Zach LaVine as potential additions.

Thompson is a free agent, while Caldwell-Pope has a player option for next season. However, LaVine would need to be a trade addition, and Fischer noted the 76ers could consider him if the Chicago Bulls or another team attached draft capital in an effort to move off his salary.

It wouldn't be a surprise if the 76ers focused on outside shooting, especially after they were a middling 18th in the league in three-point percentage (36.3) this past season.

Embiid draws plenty of double teams, which should create easier looks for perimeter shooters. However, Philadelphia was inconsistent at best when it came to those open looks and will need to improve in that area.

Thompson is one of the best shooters in the history of the game, while Caldwell-Pope just knocked down 40.6 percent of his triples this past season. It was the third time in four years he shot better than 40 percent from deep, and he is accustomed to taking advantage of spacing created by playing alongside stars since he has been teammates with LeBron James, Nikola Jokić and others.

LaVine is more ball-dominant than the other two and would likely require more of an adjustment from Embiid and Maxey.

However, he is also a career 38.2 percent shooter from three-point range and may even prevent opposing defenses from doubling down low as much since he is such a dangerous scorer when playing at his best.

Regardless of the direction it chooses to go, Philadelphia will surely look different in 2024-25.

Fischer reported Tobias Harris "is not expected to be back," which should create some additional financial flexibility. Using it on an impact wing player would be an ideal way to help close the gap with the Boston Celtics and other top teams in the Eastern Conference.

Thompson (at this point of his career) and Caldwell-Pope would be more role players than anything else, while LaVine would be a more drastic addition. But Philadelphia would be better suited for a deeper playoff run with any of them as long as Embiid stayed healthy.