Philadelphia 76ers: Who Should Stay and Who Should Go

After an impressive run as the Eastern Conference's No. 8 seed, the Philadelphia 76ers fell to the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals Saturday night.

While the Sixers' young core showed impressive resilience against the Chicago Bulls and the Celtics, there are some personnel changes that must be made if this team wants to become an annual contender. 

Throughout the playoffs, it was evident that not only were the Sixers small in the frontcourt, but they also lacked go-to scorers in the clutch. While Lou Williams appeared to be the answer to their scoring woes in the regular season, he may be one of the Sixers' key pieces who is on his way out.

With that said, here are four players who the Sixers should evaluate this offseason.

Lou Williams

In April, John Mitchell of Philly.com reported Lou Williams would opt out of the final year of his contract with the 76ers.

It became increasingly clear throughout the Sixers' surprising playoff run that Williams was becoming the focal point of the Bulls' and Celtics' defensive game plans. With no other consistent scoring threats on the floor, head coaches Tom Thibodeau and Doc Rivers made it very clear that they wanted to constrict Williams' ability to move with the basketball in his hands, trapping him out at half court on every such occasion.

A serious factor in Williams' decision making this offseason may be his ability to play in an exclusively offensive role on a serious contender. Perhaps after witnessing the emergence of James Harden out in Oklahoma City, other Western Conference contenders will make it a priority to acquire elite bench scoring talent in the offseason.

Williams was consistently subbed out late in playoff games to make room for the more defensive Evan Turner. If all Williams has to offer to the Sixers is 15 points per game and little defense, the odds are he will opt out.

Verdict: Opts out.

Elton Brand

A 33-year-old forward with shoddy knees, it would appear that Elton Brand needs a miracle to stay in Philadelphia past this season.

According to Rotoworld, Brand is due just over $18.1 million next season. That's an extremely hefty sum for an aging power forward who played just 28.9 minutes per game this season. 

While Brand's resurgence throughout the 2010-2011 season was refreshing, it has become clear that he's a shell of the player he once was.

The good news for the Sixers is they did not use their amnesty clause after the lockout ended, and they are free to exercise it as they choose.

It would appear that Brand is a prime candidate to be slapped with the amnesty clause, and if Rod Thorn and the rest of the Sixers' front office decide this is the direction they want to go, I can't see many people disagreeing with them.

Verdict: Waived via Amnesty Clause

Andre Iguodala

Easily the most criticized player on the 76ers' roster, Andre Iguodala proved throughout the playoffs why he deserved that six-year, $80 million extension he received in the summer of 2008.

It's well known that Iguodala's offensive capabilities are limited, but he's a valuable piece of this roster that can't simply be dealt on a whim.

Although many fans are clamoring for Iguodala to be traded immediately, the odds of a deal would appear slim. While you would expect there to be a market for one of the league's premier wing defenders, his contract (he's due $28 million over the next two seasons) would be burdensome for many teams.

If Lou Williams and Elton Brand do in fact depart Philadelphia this offseason, look for Iguodala to stick around. A total shake up isn't what this team needs. Iguodala provides stability on both the offensive and defensive ends despite the heavy criticism he receives.

Verdict: Stays

Spencer Hawes

After a fast start to the 2011-2012 season, Spencer Hawes and his gimpy Achilles were nothing but trouble for the 76ers.

According to Rotoworld, Hawes will head into unrestricted free agency this summer. Although his diverse set of offensive skills appeared to be a plus for the Sixers at times, Hawes' jump shot became unreliable and his defense became a total liability against the more physically imposing Celtics.

Hawes was consistently outplayed by rookie Lavoy Allen, and with rookie center Nikola Vucevic waiting in the wings, I wouldn't expect to see Hawes back unless he accepts a serious pay cut.

Hawes could have some value to a contender as a backup center, an energy player who could come off the bench and be an active body on the offensive end. However, for what the Sixers are asking of their center, Hawes simply does not fit the bill.

Verdict: Signs elsewhere in free agency.