The questions were so good we had to break it into two posts!
Hello, friends.
Well, the questions were good and I went long on them so we broke them into two posts. You can find Part I here.
Again, no need for a long intro here. Let’s get into it!
You guys want slop before training camp even starts. Please don’t ever change!
Let’s preempt this by going over what the Sixers have to offer other teams. By re-signing KJ Martin to a balloon deal, the team has a $7.9 million salary for matching purposes. They can mix and match with other salaries, but keep in mind that the new CBA and the daunting second apron can affect the ability to aggregate salaries in a trade for all parties.
What’s of real value to other teams is the Sixers’ draft capital. The team can move first-rounders in 2026, 2028, 2029 or 2030 (not both) and 2031 (if they don’t trade 2030). They also have second-rounders they can trade in 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030 and two in 2031. That’s four firsts and six seconds at Daryl Morey’s disposal. Not too shabby.
Let’s address the Bogdan Bogdanovic question first. Love the player and his fit here. He’s an ideal combo guard that takes and makes high volume threes and has some game off the bounce. He’s not the greatest defender in the world, but he plays his ass off and has absolutely zero fear, as we saw during his run with Serbia in the Olympics. He’d be a tremendous offensive fit next to the star trio of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George.
The issue is going to be Bogdanovic’s $17.2 million cap hit. To trade for him, the Sixers would have to include one of Kelly Oubre, Jr. or Caleb Martin along with KJ Martin, a minimum salary and draft picks. Maybe that’s worth it if the spacing is bad with the projected starting group, but it would hurt the team defensively.
It’s also worth noting that Bogdanovic’s contract is one of the best bargains in the league since his cap hit is descending and he has a team option for 2026-27. That means Atlanta is in no real rush to move him and hurt the supporting cast around Trae Young. I wouldn’t rule it out, but I’d say it seems unlikely as of today.
Still, there’s an excellent chance the Sixers make a roster-altering move before or (if Daryl Morey’s track record follows suit) at the trade deadline. In the words of the great Brett Brown, Morey will likely have some “pre-mortem” notions about what his team’s needs will be. How does Guerschon Yabusele look and does he lessen their need for a “true” four? Will there be enough spacing with Oubre and Martin in the starting group? Will they be able to correct their rebounding woes from the postseason? Do they need a mobile backup big for certain matchups?
With that said, Morey can let those things play out. There’s a lot of time between now and Feb. 6. Over the coming months, his team will tell him what it needs.
Here is a short list of players I like that are feasible targets:
Larry Nance, Jr., Hawks
Nance is an ideal combo big with enough size and strength to bang in the post, and the ability to stretch the floor with the occasional three and switch onto guards defensively. He’s a strong rebounder that racks up steals and blocks. He’s also proven to be a solid passer for a big man.
Jarred Vanderbilt, Lakers
Vanderbilt has an injury history and limitations as an offensive player, but he’s a switchable monster defensively and an outstanding rebounder. Like Nance, he has combo big versatility and would likely look great in the dunker spot playing next to Embiid.
Chris Boucher, Raptors
Boucher played his best basketball under Nick Nurse in Toronto. He also possesses great size, length, athleticism and versatility. He’s a bit of funky offensive player with a weird shot (that anecdotally seems to go in more against the Sixers than any other team), but his tools are intriguing.
Dorian Finney-Smith, Nets
Finney-Smith is a player I’m higher on than most. He’s battled through injuries and ineffectiveness during his time in Brooklyn, but he was a huge part of the Mavericks’ run to the Western Conference Finals a few years back. He’s a player that thrives playing next to star talent, something he hasn’t had with the Nets. It would be a similar issue as Bogdanovic though — DFS has a $14.9 million cap hit next season.
Cody Martin, Hornets
It would be fun to get the twins back together, wouldn’t it? Cody plays more like a guard than a wing like Caleb. Cody’s on-ball defense is top-tier — just watch his matchups against Maxey last season. He’d be a great pest for star guards like Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Hailburton and Damian Lillard to deal with. Cody has dealt with injuries and those have seemed to hurt his jumper. If he can prove he’s healthy and regain his offensive form, he could be worth a swing.
Corey Kispert, Wizards
I have no idea what the hell the Wizards are doing. I’m not sure they do either. Kispert, now 25, might not be as valuable to Washington in their rebuild as potential draft picks. Especially considering he’s in the final year of his rookie contract and will be seeking a new deal. The Gonzaga product having a low cap hit would make a trade fairly easy. You don’t often find 6-foot-7 players that are also elite shooters on the market. He’s not a stiff off the dribble, either. I’d keep my eye on him.