Philadelphia 76ers: 3 Key Questions Sixers Must Address During Offseason

After losing to the Boston Celtics in Game 7 the Philadelphia 76ers now face three key questions as they enter into the summer and prepare their team for the 2012-13 NBA season.

The first question relates to veteran Elton Brand and what to do with his contract, which has one more year left on it. Using the amnesty clause for the remaining year on ($18,160,354) Brand’s contract remains an option.

If the Sixers do not amnesty Brand, they could look into the possibility of moving his contract before the trade deadline in 2013 as it will be an expiring possibility.

However, given the new collective bargaining agreement, the 76ers would have to find a team willing to exchange large contracts.

The second question relates to the unrestricted free-agent status of center Spencer Hawes. Hawes will be an unrestricted free-agent come July 1 and due to the lack of young big men in the league overall, Hawes could find himself a suitor sooner rather than later.

Hawes is only 23 years old so he has a lot left in the tank and is still in the developmental stage of his professional basketball career.

The third question relates to the status of guard Louis “Lou” Williams who has become a fan favorite in Philadelphia. The former Georgia high school star has made his mark in the NBA as a bench scorer but is expected to opt-out of his contract which will make him an unrestricted free-agent.

As a result, there could very well be other teams in search of some scoring in the backcourt. Williams has been an integral part of the Sixers' offense off the bench and would be a huge loss. But he may have a chance to go to another team as a starter.

These are the three biggest questions facing the Philadelphia 76ers right now as they head into the draft and free-agency.