With the 2022 NBA Draft behind us, Daryl Morey and the Philadelphia 76ers were able to improve the roster with a draft-night trade. Many rumors before the draft swirled around the Sixers trying to acquire Eric Gordon from the Houston Rockets. For one reason or another, that deal did not come to fruition, but Morey was still able to make a move to improve the roster.
The Sixers were able to swing a deal for two-way guard De’Anthony Melton from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Danny Green and the 23rd pick in the draft (David Roddy). Melton will help this team on both sides of the court, but the roster still needs some improvement. With limited assets remaining, Morey and the Sixers will have to get creative to make some changes. Here are three trades the Sixers could make to bring some more versatility to the roster.
Sixers Look to Add Some Jazz
Philadelphia 76ers Receive:
- Royce O’Neale
- 2026 First-Round Pick (Lottery protected)
Utah Jazz Receive:
- Furkan Korkmaz
- Matisse Thybulle
With the Utah Jazz seemingly headed toward a break-up, with rumors surrounding Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, the Sixers could swoop in and take advantage of a possible shake-up. In this scenario, the Sixers trade Furkan Korkmaz and Matisse Thybulle for Royce O’Neale and a future-protected first-round pick.
Royce O’Neale is an undersized yet really good 3-D wing. Offensively, he is a solid three-point shooter coming off of a career-high 7.4 PPG. Last season he shot a career-high 38.9 percent from beyond the arc on 4 attempts per game. He also was solid on the boards averaging almost 5 RPG.
Defensively for the Jazz, he was their best perimeter defender by far. He took on the toughest perimeter or wing matchup every night and helped lead the Jazz to one of the best defenses two seasons ago.
O’Neale is a player that can be counted on almost every night to give 100 percent on defense and hustle. He also provides spacing so opposing defenses can’t ignore him and sell out on a double team against Joel Embiid or James Harden. O’Neale could fit right into the starting lineup and give the team another two-way wing to count on.
Sixers Look to Make Magic with Wizards
Philadelphia 76ers Receive:
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
- 2026 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected)
Washington Receives:
- Furkan Korkmaz
- Matisse Thybulle
- Isaiah Joe
If Caldwell-Pope is available, the Philadelphia 76ers should make the call to the Washington Wizards. In this scenario, The Sixers trade Furkan Korkmaz, Matisse Thybulle, and Isaiah Joe for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and a future protected pick.
KCP would give the Philadelphia 76ers a nice quality two-way starter to plug into the lineup. He averaged 13.2 ppg while shooting 39% from three. He was a pivotal part of the Lakers’ championship in 2020 and was traded to the Wizards as a piece in the Russell Westbrook trade. He was one of the more consistent players for the Wizards last season, coming in fourth on the team in scoring. He had to step up many nights with Wizards’ star Bradley Beal in out of the lineup.
Caldwell-Pope would provide an upgrade for the starting lineup over Danny Green and Matisse Thybulle offensively. He shoots a good amount of threes per game and brings more when attacking closeouts. On defense, he would provide quality defense and be an upgrade over Danny Green. Thybulle may be considered a better defender than Caldwell-Pope, but his experience in big moments on both sides of the court would fare well for the 76ers.
76ers Add Former Wildcat
Philadelphia 76ers Receive:
- Josh Hart
- 2023 second-round pick
Portland Trail Blazers Receive:
- Furkan Korkmaz
- Matisse Thybulle
- Charless Bassey
Prior to draft night, the Portland Trail Blazers reportedly had interest in trading for Matisse Thybulle, but the three-team deal the 76ers wanted didn’t come together. If the Blazers are still interested in Thybulle, the Sixers should try to see if they can pry Josh Hart away from Portland.
Josh Hart would be an immediate impact player with the 76ers. As a starter or a bench player, Hart would provide the defense, energy, and rebounding needed from the wing. He is also a well-rounded offensive player who you can count on to be consistent every night.
Defensively, Hart can cover guards and wings and hold his own against some of the better offensive players in the NBA. He is a terrific rebounder and averaged 7.2 rebounds per game last season with the Pelicans and Trailblazers. The 76ers were at the bottom of the league in rebounding last season, and a guy like Hart could help improve those numbers tremendously.
Offensively, Hart has been solid since his years at Villanova. In the NBA, he has turned into a good all-around player averaging 14.9 ppg last season, which was a career-high. He shot 60 percent from the field overall and 34 percent from three. He also has the ability to be a lead ball-handler and create for others. Although Hart is 6’5, he plays much bigger and plays with an even bigger heart.
With free agency approaching, you can expect Daryl Morey, Elton Brand, and the Philadelphia 76ers to try to get creative to add the guys they need to a roster that can be a true contender in the playoffs. If they are able to hit on either of these trades, they will be heading in the right direction.
