With the NBA Draft complete and free agency in full swing, the Sixers are looking to retool around their stars. With limited cap flexibility, exploring the trade market would be the best way to bolster their roster and fill the hole at the forward spot.
Any significant move would likely require including Kelly Oubre Jr. ($8.4 million) and Andre Drummond ($5 million) for salary-matching purposes. Oubre is an organization and fan favorite, but if they wanted to improve, he would be a salary casualty.
Here’s a breakdown of four intriguing trade targets and how they could fit into the Sixers’ roster:
Obi Toppin
With Tyrese Haliburton out for the next season with an Achilles injury and Myles Turner on his way their rival, the Milwaukee Bucks, the Pacers could be in for a small reset after their NBA Finals run. The team didn’t want to go deep into the Luxury tax this season by resigning Turner, so they could be looking to save cash in a season without their best player. If they are looking to soft sale, the Sixers could try to pry Obi Toppin away from the Pacers.
Toppin could slot into the starting power forward position, and his athleticism would stand out in a lineup trying to become more athletic. He would bring vertical spacing and transition scoring to a lineup that needs to run more with the young guards that they have. His ability to run the floor and score above the rim could pair nicely with Embiid’s improved passing ability. His shooting from the perimeter has improved a lot since joining the league, and he could play a little small-ball five as well.
A deal for Toppin would likely have to include a protected first or a second rounder along with the players mentioned above for salary matching.
PJ Washington
The Mavericks are still celebrating the arrival of their number one pick, Cooper Flagg, but they could run into cap constraints in the future that could make PJ Washington available for trade. He has an expiring contract of $14 million, and there is no guarantee that the Mavericks can retain him. The Sixers could jump in and try to trade for him to be their starting power forward.
Washington is a modern power forward who can stretch the floor and defend multiple positions. He could slot well right next to Joel Embiid and offer a ton of lineup flexibility. He was a key cog on the Mavericks team that went to the NBA Finals two years ago. Last season he averaged 13.6 points per game and 5.3 rebound per game, but the Sixers would more than likely ask him to rebound the ball more in Philadelphia.
A package for Washington would likely have to include an unprotected first round pick, likely one with perceived high value as well as salary matching.
Cam Whitmore
Whitmore, a Villanova alum, has shown flashes of scoring brilliance but hasn’t been able to carve out many minutes in Houston’s crowded roster. NBA Insiders have also said that the Rockets are currently looking to trade Whitmore as they significantly change their roster through trades and free agency. His youth and upside make him a high-reward target for the Sixers, and he could contribute immediately, whether in the starting lineup or off the bench.
Whitmore isn’t a power forward, so he doesn’t necessarily solve that problem, but he is a hyper-athletic wing who could be used in a myriad of ways. Whitmore’s lack of court time hasn’t allowed to work on some of his weaknesses, including his defense but with more time to develop, this is something he could improve.
If they want to take an upside swing on the young forward, a package will likely have to include salary filler and an unprotected future first.
Keegan Murray
The Sacramento Kings are a franchise that never knows what it wants to do. Do they want to tank to get assets, do they try to win now, they are always stuck in flux and with a general manager, maybe the Sixers can pry away one of their young, prized players. Keegan Murray could be a dream fit on the Sixers playing either forward spot, providing spacing, versatility on defense, and solid rebounding at 6’8.
Murray is a good shooter, can guard two through four and doesn’t need offensive plays called for him. He can shoot from anywhere on the court and has purposeful off the ball movement to relocate for his teammates looking to kick the ball out to the perimeter. He would really flourish next to Embiid with the gravity he provides and the driving ability of Tyrese Maxey, making him an ideal fit.
A deal for Keegan Murray would require salary filler and multiple first-round picks. It may even take three first-rounders for the Kings to consider trading their young stud.
