Dario Saric may not actually join the Philadelphia 76ers this season, according to a league source.
With the 76ers drafting Ben Simmons and Saric needing to leave money on the table to leave Turkey, he may not actually join the team this season.
"He makes 1.5 million Euros ($1.66 million US) playing in Turkey," said the source Thursday night. "It's a comfortable living. Why come over and risk that and go back to the rookie-scale contract when you've completed two-thirds of not having to be on the rookie scale? This is before the draft."
Saric would be due $9 million over the next four seasons based on being the No. 12 overall pick. If he plays a third season in Turkey, he wouldn't be subject to the rookie scale and would probably make more than twice that amount.
"(Saric's parents are) counting every dollar because this is their gravy train," the source said.
Saric would likely be a reserve with Simmons projected to start at power forward.
"He's not coming over to be a backup," said the source, who could envision Saric asking for a trade if he does leave Turkey this summer. "Why would he come over now? How is he going to play?"