With the NBA trade deadline right around the corner, the Philadelphia 76ers will certainly be involved in the market one way or another.
The biggest question for the Sixers ahead of the deadline is whether the team should make a big splash or just add one or two complementary pieces. Names like Kyle Lowry and Lonzo Ball are constantly being thrown around, and for good reason too.
Either player would certainly make a big difference but would the team be better off saving assets and making marginal improvements to an already impressive team. It may not be the big sexy move. Still, the team can solidify their contender status by adding multiple lower-level players.
Langston Galloway
When Langston Galloway signed with the Phoenix Suns, it looked like he would be a major contributor at a steal of a price. Flash forward four months, and Galloway finds himself near the back end of the bench, far from where he envisioned himself. The Suns have seen far more success than anyone expected and frankly have no need for the Saint Joe’s alumn.
The Philadelphia 76ers, though, could provide Galloway with an opportunity for an increased role. Galloway has always been a talented shooter, but he’s outdoing himself this season, shooting 49% from deep (albeit on two attempts per game). His ability to score and handle the ball makes him a great fit for the offense, but that’s not where his value would end.
Galloway could be a major help for the development of both Shake Milton and Tyrese Maxey. Danny Green has provided plenty of veteran leadership for the team’s young guards. As a fellow combo guard though, Galloway could relate to the two young players in a way Green can’t.
The Sixers showed interest in Galloway at the trade deadline last season when he played for the Detroit Pistons, so it stands to reason that they could still be interested. The Suns will likely move Galloway if they can get anything for him as Head Coach Monty Williams seems to prefer E’Twaun Moore and Abdel Nader. Galloway could even end up as a buyout candidate, but if the Sixers can secure his services just for a second-round pick, it’s clearly worth it.
Delon Wright
The Philadelphia 76ers have a few minor needs ahead of the deadline. Some more scoring for the bench would nice, but a two-way ball-handler is a luxury the team should try to attain if at all possible. Delon Wright would be a perfect name, and the Sixers are clearly aware of that.
Daryl Morey has reportedly already shown interest this season and is likely still considering a deal for the multi-purpose guard. Wright would immediately take much of the pressure off of Shake Milton and allow the second unit to flow more naturally.
Though he doesn’t shoot often, Wright is a competent shooter (36.5%), and he doesn’t have to play with the ball in his hands, so Doc Rivers could play him with virtually any unit. That type of versatility goes a long way, especially during the playoffs. As an extra bonus, Wright has one more year on his contract after this season, providing a bit of extra value.
Wright would likely be available for a top-end second-round pick or two decent second-rounders in the Sixers’ case. If at all possible, the Sixers should look into securing Wayne Ellington in the deal though likely they would need to up the offer from two seconds to a first. If Detroit is willing to play ball, the Sixers will have already gone a long to building a contender.
George Hill
Of all the targets who wouldn’t involve a first or one of Tyrese Maxey/Matisse Thybulle, George Hill should be at or near the top of the list. Hill is a grizzled veteran who has shown to be extremely valuable, especially in a playoff setting.
Hill is basically a better version of Delon Wright. He’s a better shooter (38.6%), a better defender, and you’re not losing much if anything when it comes to ball-handling. Hill could easily become the team’s sixth (or seventh) man or potentially replace Seth Curry in the starting lineup if Doc Rivers decides he wants Curry’s firepower off the bench.
Like with Wright, Hill also has extra value as his contract continues through next season. Trading for a player of his caliber on a multi-year deal is extremely beneficial to a team without much future financial flexibility like the Sixers.
Now Hill would be the most expensive of the three players listed, but for good reason. The Philadelphia 76ers should be hesitant to send a first for Hill as they will have to also send Tony Bradley in a deal for Hill to match salary (assuming a third team isn’t involved).
Mike Scott, Tony Bradley, and two second-round picks should be enough to convince OKC to make a deal, but if Presti pushes, the Sixers would likely give up a first (though they should try to get Kenrick Williams thrown in).
