As February gets closer and closer, news of potential Sixers trade deadline moves is making fans lose sleep. The team has looked great in Year 1 under Nick Nurse, Tyrese Maxey has taken a huge leap forward, and Joel Embiid looks like one of the greatest centers in NBA history.
They are just a few games behind the Boston Celtics for first place in the Eastern Conference, and for the first time in years, it looks like they can actually win big games and compete with contenders with a coach capable of making adjustments.
However, all good things can always get better. Daryl Morey is always looking to improve the roster and beat other teams with lopsided trades, and this season will be no exception to that rule. But what should the Sixers do before the trade deadline? Let's break it down.
Sixers trade deadline preview
First, we must say that this team does not need a major change. They meshed well on both ends of the floor and seemed to have finally found their rotation. Even with Embiid out due to injuries, Maxey and the rest of the team have been able to lead the way.
The Sixers have been rumored to be in the market for a star player, should he become available before the trade deadline. That hasn't happened yet, and they need to move away from DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine and their big contracts, as they are the only two superstars potentially available at this point.
A Tobias Harris trade is no longer a nightmare as he is finally in the final year of his contract. But instead of dealing with him, they should let him play until the end, as he is having a very strong year and there would be no sense in letting go of him after holding on to him for so long.
But the Sixers need a backup center. Paul Reed is a great energy man and hustler, but he gives up a lot of volume sometimes. Embiid is very injury-prone, and you can't have a lot of depth at that position in the playoffs.
Potential trade targets for the Sixers
Trading draft picks is the last thing you'll see Daryl Morey do. However, the Sixers have an interesting arsenal they can use to bolster their roster and add some depth. They don't need a lot of shooting, but they could use more blockers and big men.
With that in mind, perhaps they could target someone like Dorian Finney-Smith, who is one of the best defensive wingers in the league. He's not a big offensive factor, but he can knock down shots from all three levels and is a solid tackler.
Andre Drummond could be an interesting option as a backup at large, as he already knows what it takes to play in Philadelphia. If not, Nick Nurse could look to reunite with Chris Boucher, who has the size, length, athleticism, shooting and shot-blocking skills to play as a rim protector or an extension five.
When it comes to the backcourt, they could give the Los Angeles Lakers help and sign D'Angelo Russell to any three-team deal, as he could give them an offensive boost. However, they would be better off going after a guy like Bruce Brown, who is a championship-caliber player.
They could also wait until after the deadline and make the most of the buyout market to go after Gordon Hayward, as he can still hold his own on defense and give you at least 15 points per game. Kyle Lowry could be another suitable option, especially being a hometown player.
