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Source: 76ers will pursue free agent forward Amir Johnson

Johnson, a 12-year veteran, would provide a huge locker room presence and the veteran leadership the Sixers lost after waiving Gerald Henderson on Friday.

Boston Celtics forward Amir Johnson (90) blocks a shot by Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) during the first quarter of a first-round NBA playoff basketball game in Boston, Tuesday, April 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Boston Celtics forward Amir Johnson (90) blocks a shot by Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) during the first quarter of a first-round NBA playoff basketball game in Boston, Tuesday, April 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)Read moreAP

The 76ers will make a strong push for free agent Amir Johnson, according to an NBA source. The source said the power forward could very well be in a Sixers' uniform next season.

Free agency begins at 12.01 a.m. Saturday. Players cannot sign free-agent contracts until 12 p.m. on July 6.

Johnson, a  12-year veteran, would provide a huge locker room presence and the veteran leadership the Sixers lost after waiving Gerald Henderson on Friday. Jerryd Bayless (nine-year veteran) and Robert Covington (four years) are the only players on the Sixers roster with more than three years of experience.

Johnson, 30,  has averaged 7.5 points and 5.7 rebounds during his career. He has shot 34 percent on three-pointers. The 6-foot-9, 240-pounder averaged 6.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and shot 40.9 percent on threes last season with the Boston Celtics.

Johnson also has a relationship with Sixers president of basketball operations Bryan Colangelo.  Colangelo acquired Johnson in a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks on Aug. 18, 2009 as the general manager of the Toronto Raptors.