Daryl Morey has been aggressive but calculated with his moves since arriving in Philadelphia. His four trades are all seen as positives for the team, though he’s undoubtedly attempted to pull off more. One example of that is Chris Paul, as Sam Amick of The Athletic reports.
Morey and Doc Rivers, who previously coached Paul in Los Angeles, made a push to land the future Hall of Fame point guard. Philadelphia’s front office believes they could swing a deal with Oklahoma City, though Paul had his sights set on the Suns.
The Thunder had been willing to send Paul to a destination of his choosing, as they did with Russell Westbrook a year before (to Houston). CP3 earned that with his professionalism and leadership during what a year where other established vets may have simply mailed it in or sat out for stretches with obscure, insignificant injuries.
Paul arriving in Oklahoma City was, of course, a result of Morey sending him there, so it’s feasible that the point guard felt a certain way about Philly’s team president. The Suns ended up landing CP3 for a package that was headlined by a 2022 first-round pick and Kelly Oubre (later traded for a first-rounder). Could the Sixers have beaten that offer? Surely, though they really had little chance with Paul having a say in the process.
More From Philadelphia
- Danny Green has played alongside several exceptional leaders, including Tim Duncan, LeBron James, and Kawhi Leonard. Green spoke with Joe Wolfond of The Score, discussing leadership styles and how Joel Embiid is progressing as one. “They were all great leaders. There were many moments with each one of them when I’d say, ‘That’s a leader, that’s how a leader should be, and that’s how I want to be.’ But where it sticks out the most, the two guys mainly were Timmy and ‘Bron. I had Kawhi when he was younger and he was still figuring out how to do it. Joel is still young, he’s still coming into his own.”
- Paul Reed has entered the league’s health and safety protocol. It’s not clear whether he has COVID or if he was in contact with someone who did.
- Ben Simmons missed his fourth-straight game on Saturday and Doc Rivers (speaking to FortyEightMinutes and other media prior to the contest) said Simmons is starting to feel better. The Defensive Player of the Year candidate has had flu-like symptoms but it’s not COVID-related. Simmons’ status for Monday against the Thunder remains up in the air.
