The Sixers have championship aspirations and they are lurking for value at the NBA trade deadline that helps them achieve that goal. The team continues to pursue a Kyle Lowry trade, though with the former Villanova product more likely to head to a destination outside of Philadelphia, Daryl Morey & Co. aren’t going to sit on their hands and wait.
Philadelphia has had discussions with the Raptors for Norman Powell as well and while sources told FortyEightMinutes that a Powell acquisition is more likely than a Lowry one, both are long-shots. Powell might be the most coveted trade target in terms of teams that are pursuing the small forward. Marc Stein of the New York Times reports that the number of teams eyeing the Raptors forward is in “the teens.”
Philadelphia is all-in on a championship this season but the organization isn’t going to make rash moves; increased demand isn’t going to drastically change their philosophy in terms of getting value.
“[Darly] Morey is too smart to overpay in a seller’s market,” a plugged-in former assistant GM tells FortyEightMinutes.
The list of teams linked to Powel is extensive. Rumblings about the small forward heading to Boston surfaced earlier in the week. The Wolves had recent conversations with the Raptors for the wing, though the two sides couldn’t come close on the proper compensation, per Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. Some believe Powell is the “perfect” fit for the Knicks given Tom Thibodeau’s coaching style. The Cavs, Blazers, Rockets, Pistons, Mavericks, and Hawks are other teams that are known to have interest over the past few months.
Indiana may be the biggest threat for Powell, as Marc Berman of The New York Post explains. Per Berman, the Pacers are “willing to overpay” for Powell in free agency. While that doesn’t necessarily mean they will trade for Powell, Indiana’s perceived dedication to adding Powell in the offseason is a factor in what teams are willing to give up now for a player who could walk in a few months.
Philly has a mantra this season: Preparation, Process, Parade. Powell, who won a championship with Toronto in 2019, would certainly help with that, though the front office remains the conscience of an important aspect: price.
