The One Relationship Mike Gansey Built That Sixers Fans Need to See Before Free Agency Opens

Alright, hoops fans, listen up! Free agency is just DAYS away, opening on Tuesday, and while everyone’s chasing the big names, a subtle, genius play might be unfolding for the Sixers that nobody’s truly seeing. Sandro Mamukelashvili, a dude who just shot 39% from deep this past season, is about to hit the market. He had a breakout year after four years as a deep bench guy, and if Philadelphia plays their cards right, he could be their next big pickup, all thanks to some serious behind-the-scenes relationship building by their new president of basketball operations, Mike Gansey. The NBA is absolutely a money-first game, but those relationships? They’re a very close second, and Gansey might just have an inside track.

Mike Gansey's Past and the Priority Sports Connection

This whole thing boils down to Cleveland's roster history and Gansey’s time there. See, Mamukelashvili's agent, George Roussakis, is with Priority Sports & Entertainment, and Mark Bartelstein is one of the highest-profile faces of that agency. Guess who the Cavaliers have a LONG recent history with? Yep, Priority Sports. Gansey was an assistant general manager with Cleveland before he took over in Philly, and he clearly saw how this played out. Think about it: just last season, Thomas Bryant and Larry Nance Jr., both Priority Sports clients, were with the Cavaliers. José Calderón, another Bartelstein client, is literally a special advisor for the Cavaliers right now. Ahead of this past season's trade deadline, Cleveland scooped up Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis, also Bartelstein clients. And remember Caris LeVert? Cleveland traded for him back wh

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en Gansey was still an assistant GM. Then Georges Niang, a former Sixer, signed with the Cavaliers as a free agent in 2023. Even Dylan Windler, drafted by Cleveland in 2019, came in during Gansey's tenure as assistant GM. This isn't just a coincidence, folks. This is a pattern, and it tells you everything about the business of relationships in the league.

The $19.4 Million Question for the Sixers

Now, Mamukelashvili has a player option this summer for $2.8 million, and let’s be real, he’s almost certainly declining it to test free agency. He just had his breakout season, remember? John Hollinger's BORD$ valuation model pegs him at a whopping $19.4 million. While we'll see if that number holds up, it’s definitely in the ballpark of the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception, which the Sixers have in their arsenal. Nobody's saying Mamukelashvili and Roussakis will take a discount, but who's to say Hollinger’s model is pinpoint accurate for a guy who just broke out after four deep bench years? He doesn't have a long track record for teams to commit massive money to. Mamukelashvili is a bit undersized for center but has the mass for a prominent power forward. The real juice here is that 39% from 3 on 3.7 attempts per game. He’d be a perfect stretch big for Philadelphia, giving them that floor spacing they need out of primary and secondary actions. This could be a steal! So, free agency kicks off Tuesday. Keep your eyes peeled on this one, because if Gansey can leverage these old ties and that historical connection, the Sixers might just snag a serious talent for what could be a huge value. This isn't just about adding a player, it’s about making a strategic move that can totally shape their season. Let’s go, Philly!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.