The Sixers have already begun to make moves for this deadline, trading Caleb Martin to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for guard Quentin Grimes and a 2025 second-round pick. Trading Martin was a surprise but added to the theme of this deadline that all moves are on the table.
Grimes helps the backcourt and could slip right into a starting role next to Tyrese Maxey, but this team can still improve to make the Play-in tournament and for the future. Take a look at two trades that could improve the team at the deadline:
Dancing with the Grizz
Memphis Grizzlies receive:
KJ Martin
2029 First-Round Pick (swap with LAC)
Philadelphia 76ers receive:
Santi Aldama
In this deal, the Sixers go out and get another young player who will be a restricted free agent this summer, and they could resign and go over the cap. Aldama could provide size, shooting, rebounding, and some secondary rim protection for a team that has struggled with all of that this season. He’s a solid three-point shooter and could play in lineups with and without Joel Embiid. Starting him at power forward next to Embiid will provide the starting lineup with the length they have been missing all season.
Many NBA insiders have reported that the Sixers would be looking at players like Aldama, who haven’t been extended by their current teams and wouldn’t likely match their offers in restricted free agency. He’s 24 and can grow with Maxey, Embiid, and Paul George. The Grizzlies get a first-round pick and an athletic player in KJ Martin for a guy who they likely weren’t going to have back this summer anyway.
Trading spaces
Houston Rockets receive:
KJ Martin
Reggie Jackson
2027 second-round pick
2029 second-round pick
Philadelphia 76ers receive:
Cam Whitmore
Aaron Holiday
In this deal, the Sixers take a swing at a young, talented wing in Whitmore. He is cost-controlled for the next couple of seasons and could turn into an explosive player. Whitmore looked like a sure lottery pick before going to Villanova for his freshman year. During the 2023 draft, he fell to the 20th pick, where the Rockets picked him up.
Whitmore has spent the majority of his first two seasons on the bench and in the G-League, but in recent months, he has started to contribute. With injuries, he has started to play more and show his scoring ability. He’s scored double digits in four of his last eight games, including 18 points against the New York Knicks.
Daryl Morey previously mentioned moving into the first round for a specific player in the 2023 draft that fell down the draft boards but did not. Many believe he was talking about Cam Whitmore, and with an extended opportunity in Philly, he could be a good running mate for Maxey and company in the short and long term.
Aaron Holiday could also be included in this deal to replace some of the older backcourt bench players the Sixers have with Reggie Jackson and Kyle Lowry. Holiday is a solid floor space with the ability to handle the ball as a backup guard. He’s under 30 years of age, which would be a breath of fresh air outside of Maxey.
The Sixers seem destined to make another move before the deadline, and these types of deals could benefit this team in the short and long term.
