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The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, which means contenders will be looking to bolster their playoff rosters. At the same time, many teams on their way to a lottery landing will be looking to offload assets to better position themselves for the future. As a team with championship aspirations, the Philadelphia 76ers fall into the old category.
The Sixers have held the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings for a majority of the 2020-2021 campaign, but there is still room for improvement. Namely, they would benefit from an extra 3-point shot and bench production around All-Stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. Basketball operations president Daryl Morey and chief executive Elton Brand will likely look to address these areas before the March 25 deadline. With that in mind, here’s a look at five potential business goals for Philadelphia.
Lowry is by far the most influential player on this list. He has championship experience and he projects himself as an ideal on-pitch complement to both Embiid and Simmons as a player capable of both initiating offense and space-opening. Plus, he’s from Philly and would have some interest in playing for his hometown team.
It remains to be seen whether or not the Raptors would be willing to trade Lowry given they are smack in the middle of the playoff photo in the East at the All-Star break. However, if they thought they were going to lose him for nothing in free will during the offseason, they should at least consider taking a step. At this point, the Raptors would likely trade Lowry somewhere he wanted to go given how much he’s meant for the franchise. The asking price would likely be high – and a move could force the Sixers to part ways with a young player like Matisse Thybulle, Tyrese Maxey or Shake Milton – but the addition of Lowry would certainly raise the Sixers’ cap, albeit just for the sake of it. campaign in progress. In order for Philadelphia to land Lowry, a third team will likely need to be involved to match wages.
Potential Trade: 76ers receive Kyle Lowry, Raptors receive Andre Drummond (of Cleveland), Tyrese Maxey, 2021 first-round pick from Philadelphia, 2022 first-round pick from Philadelphia, Cavaliers receive Danny Green, Mike Scott, Terrance Ferguson, pick from 2021 Philadelphia second round, 2023 Philadelphia second-round pick
As a player who shot nearly 37% from long distance over his career, Terrence Ross has long projected as a solid in Philadelphia alongside Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. In fact, the Sixers were interested in Ross in free agency in 2019. They didn’t add him at that time, but maybe they will before the trade deadline this season, as he would provide a Indispensable firepower on the bench for Philadelphia.
Over the season, Ross, 30, averaged 15.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists for Orlando, while eliminating two 3-pointers per game. He’s capable of gaining over 20 points every night, as he’s still one of the most powerful bench scorers in the league. The Sixers need both 3-point shooting and bench production, and Ross certainly fits that description.
Potential trade: 76ers receive Terrence Ross, Magic receive Danny Green, 2021 second-round pick from Philadelphia, 2023 second-round pick from Philadelphia
Tucker will be a hot commodity ahead of the deadline, as rebuilding the Rockets will likely sell off assets like a failed millionaire trying to avoid bankruptcy. Tucker is statistically experiencing a seasonal decline, but some of that drop in production could likely be contributed to the overall disarray surrounding the Rockets this season. Over the course of his career, Tucker has proven to be a reliable rebounder, a decent defenseman, and a competent ground spacer. He would provide the Sixers with the necessary depth in the frontcourt as a player capable of playing against Embiid and Simmons.
Tucker, 35, is ready for unrestricted free agency after the season, so his addition won’t impact Philadelphia’s future salary situation. The Sixers would surely face competition for Tucker, but for the right price, his addition would be beneficial.
Potential trade: 76ers host PJ Tucker, Rockets host Mike Scott, Terrance Ferguson, 2023 second-round pick from Philadelphia
Terrence Ross isn’t the only Magic player the Sixers might consider trading for. Another player who could provide the Sixers with much-needed score and floor space, either off the bench or even in the top five, is Evan Fournier. Fournier, 28, averages 18.2 points and 3.9 assists over the season for Orlando, and he claims a career of 37% on average at depth.
Fournier is a crafty goalscorer who could potentially be an ideal addition to Embiid, Simmons and Tobias Harris. In addition, it could be available, as the Magic would have might be ready to part ways with Fournier for the right price. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent after the season, so Orlando would probably want to get something for him as long as he’s still in control of the team. Philadelphia’s chances of adding Fournier obviously depend on asking price, but he would certainly give the Sixers an offensive boost.
Potential trade: 76ers receive Evan Fournier, Magic receive Danny Green, Furkan Korkmaz, 2021 second-round pick from Philadelphia, 2023 second-round pick from Philadelphia
Rivers essentially fell off the rotation in New York after Derrick Rose arrived. However, as a player capable of playing with the ball in his hands and also playing with the ball, he could provide the Sixers with much-needed guard play off the bench. Plus, he knows new Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers, who just happens to be Austin’s dad. Rivers has already played for Doc for several seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, so the two can clearly coexist on the same sideline. The New York asking price probably wouldn’t be too high considering Rivers doesn’t play big minutes for them, so bringing him in to bolster the bench is something the Sixers might consider.
Potential trade: 76ers host Austin Rivers, Knicks host Terrance Ferguson, 2021 second-round pick from Philadelphia
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