It’s early, but NBA trade chatter has begun. Let’s get hypothesizing.
We’re far from the Feb. 6 trade deadline, but chatter has already picked up about potential moving pieces in the NBA. Due to Joel Embiid and Paul George sitting out the start of the Philadelphia 76ers’ season, the team hasn’t had a good look at how the whole roster plays together. But, their one win in six games — even with a great showing in PG’s debut game loss to the Phoenix Suns — suggests they need something.
The Athletic’s Sam Amick and John Hollinger recently released a piece summarizing what they’ve heard in the trade market. Below, I’ve taken three names from the piece I think the Sixers should pursue and why (Jonathan Kuminga, Keegan Murray and Benedict Mathurin). Because trades are fun, I’ve added three more players who seem semi-gettable and suitable for the roster.
Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer recently reported that the Sixers may be interested in going after a rising star on a rookie deal. All of the names below are such players.
I’ve added a simple framework of how each trade would work (sorry KJ Martin, but you’ve got a tradeable contract). I would be surprised if any of these actually happened, especially the first four. The Sixers don’t have a big-time player they’re willing to move, but they have picks — the 2028 Clippers having the most perceived value at the moment — and enough smaller contracts to make something work. So, we can hope.
Jonathan Kuminga
Trade: KJ Martin + multiple draft picks
Kuminga would provide much-needed rim pressure for the Sixers. Liberty Ballers’ David Early wrote a great piece about this potential trade, so feel free to read that and skip my brief thoughts. While I think the Warriors would much rather move Kuminga for a bigger piece (Jimmy Butler is reportedly a target), the 76ers’ plethora of picks could be a welcome addition to their asset list if such talks fall through.
Kuminga had the 12th most dunk attempts last season (when removing centers, he was second behind Aaron Gordon). Such ability to attack the rim would open up shots for Sixers role players who need easy looks and would greatly complement George and Tyrese Maxey, two of the best catch-and-shooters in the league.
Playing in Steve Kerr’s offense alongside Steph Curry and Draymond Green has taught Kuminga how and when to cut. Salivate thinking how that looks alongside Embiid.
On defense, his size and rebounding would be much welcomed. He hasn’t been an incredible stopper but playing in front of Embiid would make it easier for him and allow him to gamble more to get out on the fast break.
Keegan Murray
Trade: KJ Martin, Ricky Council IV, and multiple draft picks (probably lots)
Amick and Hollinger wrote in their Athletic piece that “if Murray struggles to find his place in this crowded Sacramento offense, and if the Kings fail to take the step forward that is so crucial to their plans in the process,” they may be willing to throw Murray in trades.
Again, the Kings will want far more than what the Sixers could offer but picks are always welcome in the war chest.
Murray would be a near-perfect fit in a starting lineup alongside Maxey, Embiid and PG. He shot 41% from three in his rookie season. He hasn’t reached that efficiency yet (36% last season, 31% so far this season), but he’s not a player opposing teams want to help off, shooting 40% on wide-open threes last season. Such threes should be aplenty as teams commit multiple players to stop Embiid. And Maxey and PG cause defenses to collapse like a Jenga tower at a frat party.
He’s proven himself as a defender, taking on the Steph Curry assignment in the team’s victorious play-in battle over the Warriors last season, but can also switch onto bigger wings and smaller centers.
Bennedict Mathurin
Trade: KJ Martin + multiple draft picks
Bennedict should be the biggest target for the 76ers when considering need and legit viability of acquiring. He could fit in a healthy starting lineup or as a much-needed bench punch. The Pacers have Aaron Nesmith whom they very much like. They, like the Warriors and Kings, would welcome 76ers picks to use on any future big moves. But again, Mathurin would be the key piece for a move for a true needle-mover that tickles Indiana’s fancy.
He’s been the Pacers’ best offensive player this season and his 40% three-ball would be welcome to one of the league’s worst beyond-the-arc shooting teams. Of all the players on this list, he’s the best at creating his shot and the Sixers bench isn’t a self-creation haven right now.
He’s also a trash-talker that Philadelphia fans would get behind. We need a bit of ‘f— you’ in the squad right now.
Jabari Smith, Jr.
Trade: KJ Martin, Jared McCain, an unprotected draft pick
The Rockets have too many bodies and need to do something. As the third overall pick of the 2022 draft, Smith Jr. hasn’t lived up to expectations. But he has shown flashes as a switchable shooting big with a bit of aggression.
Like Murray, his fit as the Sixers’ four would be fantastic and he should see easier shots playing off of Embiid. If his play continues to disappoint, he may be easier to acquire than expected. He’s also a great rebounder and Philadelphia is the worst defensive rebounding team this season.
Tari Eason
Trade: Eric Gordon, Reggie Jackson, protected first-round draft pick or multiple seconds
These last two players are the most gettable on the list. Tari Eason is a fired-up defensive player who can capitalize on offensive opportunities given to him, which should come frequently in a healthy Sixers lineup.
His 43% three-point shooting, if it maintains, and as I’ve harped on all article, means the Sixers should seriously consider adding him. On a too-loaded Rockets roster, he’s shown a willingness to fit in and take shots as they come. All his threes this season have been catch-and-shoot and he’s a sly, smart cutter on fast breaks and in half-court play.
Watch his game against the Warriors for the full Eason experience: 27 points on 57.9% shooting to go with nine rebounds, four steals and three blocks. He was the Rockets’ best player on a day they fought back from 31 points down to force overtime (where they lost).
Toumani Camara
Trade: Reggie Jackson, multiple second-round draft picks (two should be enough, right?)
Camara is a great lengthy defender who could fill in a Batum role (without the veteran playmaking) and potentially more if he settles into a competitive squad. His outside shot is looking very nice this year and he barely turns the ball over. You can never have Toumani players like that around three stars.
The Trail Blazers may view him as a worthwhile player to keep around their promising guards (Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons)… but they haven’t exactly decided who their guard of the future is yet.
Camara isn’t worlds more impactful than current Sixers in similar positions Caleb Martin and Kelly Oubre Jr, but he’s younger and, no pun this time, such wings are perfect complementary pieces.