Five 76ers trade goals and potential deals to achieve them, including familiar faces to back Joel Embiid
As a team near the top of the Eastern Conference playoff picture, largely happy with its current rotation and few mobile assets, the Philadelphia 76ers They are not expected to be major players at the NBA’s Feb. 9 trade deadline this season. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t look to update the list at the edges. Specifically, the Sixers would likely benefit from some added depth in the center and perimeter.
With that in mind, here’s a look at five possible trade targets for Philly ahead of next week’s deadline.
Philly’s most obvious need heading into the trade deadline is the backup center job. Montrezl Harrell and Paul Reed have shown some flashes of solid play, but neither have definitively secured the backup role behind Joel Embiid. How important that spot is has proven over the years, as Embiid obviously can’t play the full 48 minutes, and it’s important the Sixers don’t completely collapse when he’s on the sidelines. Head coach Doc Rivers has experimented with going small at times and using PJ Tucker as a small five, but the Sixers will need size for potential playoff matchups against the likes of Dollars, celts or Cavs, and neither Harrell nor Reed are that big.
However, one guy who is that size and already familiar with the Sixers as an organization is Andre Drummond. Drummond was traded from Philadelphia to Brooklyn last February in the deal that brought James Harden to the Sixers. Drummond then signed with the Bulls during the offseason, but he hasn’t been a consistent contributor in Chicago and the Bulls might be willing to part with him as a result.
Drummond was the best big backup the Sixers have had in the Embiid era, and his addition would work to strengthen the frontcourt and solidify the bench lineup. Plus, it seems safe to say Drummond would welcome a trade back to Philadelphia, as he recently stated that he misses playing for the organization and in front of the fans.
“I think how familiar this organization is. They welcomed me, they made me feel very comfortable when I got here.” drummond said of the Sixers last month. “As a team, we had a lot of fun as a team. We really care about each other. We had a common goal which is to win as many games as possible and be great. I’m sad we had to break up.” Things improved in February. I definitely miss playing here. I had a lot of fun playing for Doc, someone I’ve known since he was a kid and I have a lot of respect for him, so getting the chance to play for him was amazing for me. . The city of Philadelphia, man, the fan base is unique. I loved it here.”
potential trade: 76ers host Andre Drummond. The Bulls host Danuel House Jr., a 2023 second-round pick (via ATL/CHA/BRK).
If Philly can’t get a former Sixer-turned-Bull, maybe they can get another. Like Drummond, Bulls backup center Tony Bradley is familiar with the franchise and has experience backing up to Embiid, a role he filled briefly during the 2020-21 season. Bradley played so well during his tenure with the Sixers that he prompted Embiid to jokingly tweet that the Sixers should build around Bradley.
Bradley isn’t a flashy player, but he does have solid size for a center and therefore could offer some rebounding and rim protection on streaks. Bradley has played sparingly for the Bulls this season, as he has appeared in just 10 games totaling 26 minutes. As a result, he could be available at a not-too-high asking price.
potential trade: The 76ers host Tony Bradley. Bulls receive Jaden Springer.
Terrence Ross is a guy who has apparently been mentioned as a potential target for the Sixers for years, and understandably so. As a 36 percent run shooter from long range, Ross would provide solid — and additional — floor space around Joel Embiid and James Harden. His ability to keep the defense honest makes him an attractive target for contending teams with ball-dominating stars, even as he recently stepped out of Orlando’s rotation.
Given the fact that he hasn’t had much involvement in Orlando of late, Ross is likely to be available in trade talks at a reasonable price. It’s not necessarily the kind of addition that alone will increase a team’s title odds, but a team can never have too many shots in today’s NBA, especially a team like the Sixers who need ample space around their dynamic duo. .
potential trade: The 76ers host Terrence Ross. Magic hosts Furkan Korkmaz, Jaden Springer, Danuel House Jr., 2023 second-round pick (via ATL/CHA/BRK).
Reid has had a very solid season in Minnesota, and as a result, the Timberwolves could try to keep him past the deadline. However, he will be an unrestricted free agent after the season, and if the Wolves are reluctant to sign him to a new contract, given that they already have a substantial amount of money committed to two centers in Rudy Gobert and Karl Anthony-Towns They might look to deal with it.
If it comes down to it, Reid won’t be short of suitors, and the Sixers likely won’t beat many teams in a bidding war due to their limited assets; don’t forget the Sixers were robbed two second-round picks (2023, 2024) for violating NBA tampering rules during the offseason. This one feels less likely as a result, but you can never rule Daryl Morey out of a deal.
potential trade: The 76ers host Naz Reid. The Timberwolves host 2023 second-round pick Jaden Springer (via ATL/CHA/BRK).
Another former Sixer makes the list here. Burks is a proven scorer off the bench and thus could be a popular deadline target for playoff teams. He has the ability to both play off the ball and create on his own. He’s a 38 percent career shooter of him from long range, which means he provides the playing space the Sixers would want. He would provide Philadelphia with an additional scoring threat with the second unit, and he’d be a bit better than a guy like Shake Milton.
Burks has a team option on his contract for next season, so the Sixers wouldn’t necessarily be making a long-term commitment by trading him at the deadline. This is another situation where the Sixers could find themselves outmatched due to their lack of attractive assets, but the Philadelphia front office is certainly worth a call.
potential trade: 76ers host Alec Burks, Rodney McGruder. Pistons host Furkan Korkmaz, Danuel House Jr., Jaden Springer, 2023 second-round pick (via ATL/CHA/BRK).