Report: 76ers superstar shockingly remains unsigned in free agency

The Philadelphia 76ers made a big splash this offseason, creating the most eventful free agency period in the league. They added Paul George to their already formidable duo of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, along with signing key role players, making them widely regarded as legitimate championship contenders for the upcoming season.

Although the 76ers appear well-prepared, they still have a couple of open spots on their roster that could be filled before training camp starts in just over a month. The front office is actively considering their options, but one former Sixer has surprisingly encountered a slow market in free agency.

76ers fan favorite Robert Covington somehow remains unsigned in free agency

Robert Covington, who rejoined the Philadelphia 76ers last season after spending 4.5 seasons with the team during his first stint, remains unsigned in free agency—a surprising turn for a player who was once the quintessential three-and-D archetype.

Now 33 years old, Covington continues to be a favorite among defensive analytics enthusiasts and is well-regarded by those who follow advanced stats. Even from a basic observation, he’s still a strong presence on the defensive end, and you’d expect contenders to be eager to sign him, especially at a veteran’s minimum contract.

However, Covington’s role has significantly diminished in recent years. While he’s far from being unplayable, his playing time with the Clippers was reduced due to an abundance of forwards with similar skill sets. His second stint with the 76ers was marred by injuries, limiting him to just 26 games last season.

Despite these challenges, Covington remains an attractive option for any team in need of a defensive upgrade at forward. Yet, his injury history and declining offensive impact are legitimate concerns for potential suitors.

While the 76ers could benefit from having a player like Covington, there hasn’t been much buzz about a potential return. Ideally, the former All-Defensive Team member will find a new team for the upcoming season where his defensive talents can be fully utilized.