Here are some thoughts on the upcoming trade deadline and potential moves by the Philadelphia 76ers:
The 76ers' dilemma is that they have to decide whether to invest more resources into their roster, but they also don't know which players will be available on a night-to-night basis. Their center depth chart behind Joel Embiid is particularly murky, with Andre Drummond's $5 million expiring salary being a key consideration.
One possible solution for the Sixers' biggest need - backup center - could be Day'Ron Sharpe from the Brooklyn Nets. He's a 24-year-old undervalued big man who averages 15.2 points and 12.4 rebounds per game, and his value doesn't rise to the level of any teams trading first-round picks.
However, the Sixers would have to part with some of their draft capital, including two second-round picks, to get Sharpe's rights from Brooklyn. The deal also includes Eric Gordon's expiring salary, which would free up roster space for standard contract conversions like Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker.
On the other end, the Sixers would receive a significant boost in terms of talent at center, as well as some much-needed depth on defense. Sharpe has upward mobility and could step into a larger role if needed, but it's unclear whether he can play alongside Embiid.
In addition to addressing their center depth chart, the 76ers also need guard insurance due to Tyrese Maxey's inconsistent production. One possible solution is signing veteran Jevon Carter off an expiring contract worth $6.8 million. This would give the Sixers a defensive upgrade at point guard, as well as some much-needed shooting off the bench.
The most complicated part of the trade deadline for the 76ers is the logistics of keeping their two-way players, like MarJon Beauchamp and Adem Bona, active while still making room for new signings. The simplest solution would be to sign a pair of consecutive 10-day contracts, which would temporarily put the Sixers' standard roster at 15 players.
Some potential candidates for these 10-day deals include Malcolm Hill from the Delaware Blue Coats, Kennedy Chandler from the same team, and younger ball-handlers like Killian Hayes or Dalano Banton from other G League affiliates.
The 76ers' dilemma is that they have to decide whether to invest more resources into their roster, but they also don't know which players will be available on a night-to-night basis. Their center depth chart behind Joel Embiid is particularly murky, with Andre Drummond's $5 million expiring salary being a key consideration.
One possible solution for the Sixers' biggest need - backup center - could be Day'Ron Sharpe from the Brooklyn Nets. He's a 24-year-old undervalued big man who averages 15.2 points and 12.4 rebounds per game, and his value doesn't rise to the level of any teams trading first-round picks.
However, the Sixers would have to part with some of their draft capital, including two second-round picks, to get Sharpe's rights from Brooklyn. The deal also includes Eric Gordon's expiring salary, which would free up roster space for standard contract conversions like Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker.
On the other end, the Sixers would receive a significant boost in terms of talent at center, as well as some much-needed depth on defense. Sharpe has upward mobility and could step into a larger role if needed, but it's unclear whether he can play alongside Embiid.
In addition to addressing their center depth chart, the 76ers also need guard insurance due to Tyrese Maxey's inconsistent production. One possible solution is signing veteran Jevon Carter off an expiring contract worth $6.8 million. This would give the Sixers a defensive upgrade at point guard, as well as some much-needed shooting off the bench.
The most complicated part of the trade deadline for the 76ers is the logistics of keeping their two-way players, like MarJon Beauchamp and Adem Bona, active while still making room for new signings. The simplest solution would be to sign a pair of consecutive 10-day contracts, which would temporarily put the Sixers' standard roster at 15 players.
Some potential candidates for these 10-day deals include Malcolm Hill from the Delaware Blue Coats, Kennedy Chandler from the same team, and younger ball-handlers like Killian Hayes or Dalano Banton from other G League affiliates.