With the NBA trade deadline approaching, the rumor mill throughout the league has begun to whirl, and the Philadelphia 76ers are no exception, having been linked to many players. The most recent rumor connected to the Sixers is about Dejounte Murray of the Atlanta Hawks, who are supposedly willing to let him and other studs go in order to rebuild their roster. According to a panel of ESPN’s NBA experts, the Sixers will continue to be referenced in trade negotiations since they are expected to be “aggressive” in the market.
Brian Windhorst believes Philadelphia will take an aggressive approach to the market, which may not be confined to a single move. “The only contender I can confidently forecast will be aggressive is Philly — it can make multiple deals,” Windhorst said. Aggressive isn’t the worst word to characterize Philadelphia’s recent deadline day activity, since they’ve made moves on the last day for the past three years.
Last year, the Sixers acquired Jalen McDaniels in a four-way trade while sending out Matisse Thybulle, which was followed by the 2021-22 deadline day trade for James Harden, to name just two of their most recent moves. Tim Bontemps agreed with Windhorst, describing the Harden trade as a two-phase move for the Sixers, with the first half of the season spent with the guys acquired in exchange, and the second half potentially traded for superior assets at the deadline.
“The Philadelphia 76ers are the easy answer here,” Bontemps said. “From the moment James Harden asked out of Philadelphia this team was going to come together in two phases: With whatever it got back for Harden, and with assets to improve the team by the deadline.”
Given the pieces Philadelphia obtained in the Harden trade, which includes four players and four draft picks, it is not unreasonable to expect numerous smaller transactions, similar to what Windhorst mentioned. However, Bontemps would be appalled if no trade activity occurred. “It will be shocking if Philadelphia looks the same after the trade deadline…” Bontemps said. “I don’t expect to be shocked.”
If Daryl Morey and Philadelphia’s front office are to make any deals, they must do it before the NBA trade deadline of February 8 at 3 p.m. EST.
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