With the NBA Trade Deadline looming in seven days, the Sixers have been surrounded by trade talks involving Ben Simmons. There are many reports that suggest that Daryl Morey and the Sixers would be willing to wait until the offseason when other players may be available (James Harden). If the Sixers were to hold on to Simmons, they still need to make a move to upgrade around the roster.
Trade Assets
Outside of Simmons, the Sixers don’t have many assets to upgrade the roster at the deadline. The Sixers, who would most likely be traded, include Danny Green for salary matching purposes. Furkan Korkmaz would also have to be included for salary matching and his potential as a younger player. The Sixers also have some draft picks available but would only use them in a deal that can make the true difference. In the offseason, they would rather hold on to picks for a much bigger trade to get a star in exchange for Simmons.
Take a look at five trades the Sixers could make at the deadline that don’t include Simmons:
Danny Green and Kemba Walker Trade Places on I95
Philadelphia Receives: Kemba Walker
New York Receives: Danny Green
The Sixers have been in need of another ball handler all season. Tyrese Maxey isn’t a true point guard but has made improvements on his playmaking through the season. Seth Curry is a shooting guard with some ball-handling skills but shouldn’t be counted on as a full-time playmaker. Shake Milton and Furkan Korkmaz aren’t lead ball handlers by nature but are currently used as backup point guards due to the lack of guard depth on the roster.
Kemba Walker could come in and be a backup point guard and spot starter that the 76ers sorely need. Kemba has very good playmaking skills and can shoot and get hot with the best of them. Walker’s availability would be a factor for the Sixers as he tends to need extended rest due to his ongoing knee issue.
The Knicks are reportedly looking to unload Walker, Evan Fournier, and Alec Burks to make room in the rotation for newly acquired Cam Reddish. If they are able to trade more Fournier or Burks, Green could step in and help bring veteran leadership and poise to the starting lineup.
Sixers Look for Magic in Orlando
Philadelphia Receives: Terrence Ross and a 2023 Second Round Pick
Orlando Receives: Danny Green and Paul Reed
The 76ers are in need of another offensive-oriented wing player that can help spread the floor for Joel Embiid. In this scenario, the Sixers acquire Terrence Ross from the Orlando Magic for Danny Green and Paul Reed. Ross brings shooting and slashing and could benefit from Embiid’s playmaking. His three-point shooting is down this year, but with so much focus on Embiid, he could definitely return to an above-average percentage.
Orlando would receive Danny Green, who they would most likely buy out or not exercise his team option in the offseason. The Magic also get a chance to see what G-League MVP Paul Reed can do with more consistent minutes.
Indiana Sells to Start a Rebuild
Philadelphia Receives: Caris Levert
Indiana Receives: Danny Green, Furkan Korkmaz, and a 2022 first-round pick
In this trade, the Sixers look to acquire a guard who can get their own shot and handle the ball but just not the guard they thought they would land. The Sixers make a move for Caris LeVert, who is known for his ability to get his own shot in a variety of ways. In return for LeVert, the Indiana Pacers would receive Danny Green, Furkan Korkmaz, and a future first-round draft pick.
LeVert could slide into the starting lineup replacing Matisse Thybulle or be a super-sub off of the bench. LeVert isn’t the greatest three-point shooter but his ability to get his own shot in isolation could really help the Sixers in the postseason. Giving up a first-round pick could be something that Daryl Morey and company may think twice about, but LeVert could be a trade chip in the offseason. After this season, he only has one year left worth $18.5 million dollars which is a moveable contract.
RoCo Comes Home
Philadelphia Receives: Robert Covington, Ben McLemore, and a 2024 second-round pick (via ATL)
Portland Receives: Danny Green and Paul Reed
The Sixers are in need of a wing who is reliable health-wise, who can shoot and play defense, and in this trade, that person is Robert Covington. Ben McLemore meanwhile provides a beyond reliable shooter to put around Joel Embiid. The former Process Sixer gets traded back to Philadelphia for Danny Green and Paul Reed.
Covington is having a down year, but a change of scenery could help him get back to his old ways. His familiarity with Joel Embiid would help him on offense, while defensively, he could step right in Green’s shoes. He and Matisse would be a good defensive duo that head coach Doc Rivers could call upon.
Morey Reunites with Gordon
Philadelphia Receives: Eric Gordon
Houston Receives: Danny Green, Furkan Korkmaz, and two 2023 second-round picks
In this scenario, the 76ers bring in Eric Gordon from the Houston Rockets in exchange for Danny Green, Furkan Korkmaz, and two future second-round picks. It has been rumored that the Rockets would like a first-round pick in exchange for Gordon, but two first should get the job done.
Gordon brings three-point shooting and spacing for a team that needs it. He can also attack closeouts aggressively and finish at the rim. This may not be the Eric Gordon of 2018 and 2019, but he can still help this team in the right role.
The Rockets can take a flier on Furkan Korkmaz, and he can grow with the young team rebuilding. Danny Green would more than likely be bought out where he could go play for a contender for the stretch run and the playoffs.
If the Sixers don’t make a major trade involving Ben Simmons, they need to make a move to help round out the roster. This team has some glaring holes, and the front office needs to build the best team around Embiid as they possibly can.
