3 Players the Philadelphia 76ers should let leave this summer

Over the past 12 months, the Philadelphia 76ers have increasingly put all their resources into contending for a championship. The Sixers added Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris during the regular season, and many predicted that they would advance to the NBA Finals.

However, Kawhi Leonard's buzzer-beater in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals sent the Sixers crashing out of the playoffs - and Philadelphia's latest crop of talent is already facing an uncertain future.

The recently added duo of Tobias Harris and Jimmy Butler will hit free agency next month, while both Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons have also been linked with trades. So, ahead of a potentially pivotal summer, here are three individuals that the Sixers should look to let go.

#3 Tobias Harris

Tobias Harris struggled with his role as the Sixers' fourth offensive option

The 76ers may have no choice as to whether or not Tobias Harris stays, although it appears that a breakup would be best for both parties. Ahead of his move to the Sixers, Harris was leading an underwhelming Clippers roster to the playoffs, averaging a career-high 20.9 points per game - also knocking down 43% of his attempts from three-point range.

However, Harris suffered from being relegated to the fourth choice offensive option in Philadelphia, and his accuracy from deep fell to 33%. The 26-year-old could only manage 15.5 points per game during the postseason and he appeared to be a bad fit.

The franchise has expressed their desire to retain Harris, although recent reports have suggested that Harris is drawing interest from at least five teams. Ultimately, the Sixers should prioritize convincing Jimmy Butler to sign a new max deal and Harris' salary could be utilised by upgrading the faltering reserve unit.

#2 Boban Marjanovic

Boban Marjanovic fell out of favour during the playoff series defeat to the Raptors

Boban Marjanovic joined the Sixers in January as part of the trade that bought Harris to Philadelphia, and the veteran made a positive impact from the bench. During 22 regular season appearances, Boban posted career highs in minutes (13.2), points (8.2), rebounds (5.1) and assists (1.5) - though his role was marginalized during the playoffs.

After performing well in the first round, the 30-year-old dropped down the Sixers rotation, playing just 18 minutes over the final six games of the series against the Raptors.

General manager Elton Brand has already expressed his desire to bring in a new back-up option to Joel Embiid, and it appears the veteran will struggle for regular minutes if he remains in Philadelphia. Due to this, it would make sense for the Serbian to look elsewhere this upcoming free agency, as the Sixers would benefit from adding a more athletic backup big.

#1 Ben Simmons

Ben Simmons was poor as the Philadelphia 76ers exited the playoffs to the Raptors

There have been recent rumours that suggested the Sixers could trade LeBron James for Ben Simmons, and while a deal of this magnitude is never going to happen - the Sixers should still give some serious thought to trading Simmons.

The Australian once again posted impressive numbers during the 18/19 season, averaging 16.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game. However, he was poor during the playoffs and has yet to develop any sort of jump shot.

The Raptors were able to leave Simmons wide open during their eventual seven-game series win over the Sixers, and it is difficult to envision how the Philadelphia can win with Simmons leading the offense. Ultimately, the Sixers can get plenty in return for the 22-year-old, and it is time for the franchise to go all-in on Joel Embiid.