In the conclusion of our three-part trade series, I will explore a deal that would send a player to the Sixers who could fix a lot of their weaknesses. We have already explored low and mid-level trades in parts one and two and for the series finale, we’ll be targeting the big kahuna. Let’s get going!
76ers benefit from a three-team frenzy
Philadelphia 76ers receive: Kyle Lowry and Stanley Johnson
Toronto Raptors receive: Shake Milton, Dwight Powell, James Johnson, Terrance Ferguson, 2021 1st round pick via 76ers, 2021 and 2024 2nd round picks via Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks receive: Danny Green, Mike Scott and Matt Thomas
Why the Sixers do it:
Kyle Lowry, a Philly native, would be a perfect fit for a Sixers team that has often been unable to get consistent production from their guards in the playoffs. Ben Simmons’ inability to score from outside of five feet has caused the Sixers a lot of problems in the postseason, where teams tend to sag off of him and deny the ball to Embiid in the post. Plug in Kyle Lowry, who would demand the respect of defenders, and this Sixers team would look unstoppable.
Lowry would be able to both efficiently score the ball from the perimeter and facilitate the offense. Some may wonder what would happen to Ben Simmons in this offense but as we’ve seen so far this season, Simmons has mainly been used as a post facilitator and screen setter. He would still be able to do those things in a system that includes Kyle Lowry.
Losing Shake Milton would hurt but Lowry would be a significant upgrade. He’s averaging 17.6 points, 6 rebounds and 6.9 assists while shooting 36.1% from three point range. Lowry is also a bulldog on defense. He would give the Sixers a legitimate two-way threat at the guard position as well as a big boost in several different departments.
The Sixers also have Tyrese Maxey to help with Milton’s departure. Maxey, who has been absolutely brilliant in his rookie season, would take on the sixth man role for the Sixers. He’s proven he can put the ball in the basket as evidenced by his 39 point performance against the Denver Nuggets. Maxey is ready for a bigger role and trading away Shake Milton would provide him with one.
Stanley Johnson would help make up for shipping out Mike Scott in this deal. Johnson, despite being labeled as a bust, is actually having a decent season for the Raptors. He’s averaging 3.1 points and 3 rebounds while connecting on a career high 40.7% of his three point attempts.
Why the Raptors say yes
For the Raptors, this trade is simply about asset acquisition. Shake Milton is one of the best young guards in the league. He’s putting up 14.3 points and 3.1 assists coming off the bench for the Sixers. He’s also on an extremely team friendly deal. Milton is owed less than $6 million dollars for the next three seasons. He could take Lowry’s spot in the starting lineup or run the second unit like he did for the Sixers.
The Raptors, who are 8-12 on the season and 11th in the eastern conference, may want to hit the reset button this year and try to acquire as many assets as they can. Landing Milton, Ferguson, a first round pick and two second’s would help that cause. Powell and Johnson would also be nice additions. They’re two savvy veterans who make an impact whenever they are on the court.
Why the Mavericks say yes
The Mavericks would be landing two sharpshooting wings in Danny Green and Matt Thomas. Both would help increase their disappointing 32.8% three point percentage. Scott is in a bit of a shooting slump this season but he is a career 36.1% three point shooter. His shooting numbers should go up with the sort of looks that Luka Doncic will generate for him. Getting out of Dwight Powell’s contract while adding 2 shooters and a stretch four is certainly worth the price of losing James Johnson and two second rounders.
Sixers take the final step
Overall, the Sixers would be adding a guard to elevate their ceiling even higher while the Raptors acquire assets and the Mavs attempt to improve their roster and clear some cap space for next offseason. The Sixers are giving up a lot but trading for a guard like Kyle Lowry would have to make them the favorites to come out of the east and a true threat to whoever wins the West.
Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire
