Speculation ahead of the 2021 NBA Trade Deadline is in full swing. While there’s no guarantee when it comes to this league as wild as the modern NBA is, it doesn’t hurt to brush up on each squad’s roster as the deadline draws near. Let’s break down the roster and look at the likeliness of each player being traded.
Players Unlikely To Be Dealt
Joel Embiid should almost go in his own tier; he’s in the midst of an MVP season and there are few things in life that are as certain as him staying with the franchise through the deadline. Tobias Harris has three years remaining on his contract past this season and while his rejuvenation this season has teams looking more favorably on the nearly $113 million remaining on his deal over the next three years. Seth Curry has been great for this starting unit and his team-friendly contract, along with his family ties to Doc Rivers, suggests that he’s not going anywhere.
Then there’s Ben Simmons. Surely, Simmons’ name is going to be inserted into any trade rumor that involved another team’s star. He was reportedly on the table in talks for James Harden (Daryl Morey came out to deny the reports). Yet, it’s unlikely that another superstar is truly available before the deadline later this month and thus, the Sixers are unlikely to seriously consider moving the Defensive Player of the Year frontrunner.
Biggest Name Available
Of all the players who could realistically be traded, Matisse Thybulle has the most value. Some around the league believe the wing could fetch a future lottery pick. Philadelphia isn’t interested in that sort of swap since they are fully invested in a championship run this season. The mantra in South Philly: process, preparation, parade.
Logical Trade Pieces
Any major trade for the Sixers is likely to include Danny Green in it, as the wing is making $15.4 million and he’s the only mid/decent-sized contract who’s not a clear core member of the team. Still, Philadelphia is happy with what they have gotten from Green and they believe the veterans can contribute to their anticipated playoff run.
Trades Are Possible
- Mike Scott
- Terrance Ferguson
- Tony Bradley
- Vincent Poirier
- Tyrese Maxey
- Furkan Korkmaz
- Shake Milton
- Dwight Howard
- Isaiah Joe
Mike Scott‘s $5 million contract makes him a prime candidate to be included in deals as the franchise searches for another playmaker. The Threegional Manager has missed time this season with some nagging injuries, though he’s sporting a career-low 6.6 player efficiency rating during his time on the court. 🏀 Terrance Ferguson is probably the guy who will be on the chopping block should they add someone on the buyout market/need another roster spot. 🏀 Tony Bradley has appeared in 12 games this season, including a spot start for Joel Embiid. The former first-round pick is making $3.54 million this year and could be a free agent at the end of the year. 🏀 Vincent Poirier, who will be a free agent at the end of the season, has appeared in a handful of games for the Sixers this year, many of which are either blowouts or games where Embiid is out. 🏀 The franchise places a high valuation on 2020 first-round pick Tyrese Maxey. He nearly was placed in the “unlikely to be traded section,” though if Daryl Morey takes a major swing, he may have to part with the former Kentucky Wildcat (worth noting that the rumors that Morey’s stance on keeping Maxey being what kept Philadelphia from acquiring James Harden are wildly overblown; other factors played bigger roles). 🏀 Furkan Korkmaz‘s value around the league ranges. He’s shooting 34.5% from three after making 40.2% of his looks last season. 🏀 Shake Milton is probably worth more to the Sixers than what any team is willing to offer for the combo guard. 🏀 Dwight Howard might be the team’s best offseason signing. He’s still got something left in the tank at 35. 🏀 Isaiah Joe could be something for this team one day. He’s been great in his short stint with the Delaware Blue Coats. Fans and observers will surely continue to push for the rookie to be included in the Sixers rotation with the G League bubble concluding.
