Philadelphia 76ers general manager Darryl Morey believes the team is moving toward the NBA’s trade deadline, but admits there are fewer picks in the market this year.
Over the past month, the 76ers have become one of the hottest teams in basketball. Their 31-16 record is just 2.5 games away from leading the Eastern Conference.
With a primary goal of winning the championship, the Phillies are a team to watch until the February 9 trade deadline. General Manager Darryl Morey has done an incredible job of strengthening the roster this past offseason and is definitely looking for more ways to make improvements.
Also read: Lakers reportedly targeting one-off All-Stars before trade deadline
Earlier this week, Morley gave an interview with 97.5 The Fanatic’s Anthony Gargano. During his appearance, the longtime executive touched on the Philadelphia 76ers’ mindset leading up to the NBA’s trade deadline.
“We had multiple meetings this week trying to find someone who could contribute to this team. It’s hard because you say you’re not better than a man. “
– Darryl Morley
Philadelphia 76ers have to deal with depth behind Joel Embiid
With new depth, finding an upgrade in time may prove difficult for Molly. That said, he does have one spot to focus on in the coming weeks.
For years, the Sixers have had a backup revolving door behind superstar Joel Embiid. owes He’s been doing well so far this year, but Morey says he should be looking for his center back up by February 9th.
In the past, Harrell has been exposed in the defensive playoffs on the floor. Embiid will make up the majority of his time at center, but his time off the floor can swing the game. was.
3 players the Philadelphia 76ers should target before the trade deadline
One name that immediately stands out as a trade target is Andre Drummond. The Chicago Bulls currently sit 11th in the Eastern Conference and could be a seller by the deadline.
In 36 games for Chicago this season, Drummond is averaging 6.1 PPG and 6.6 RPG. His $3.2 million annual salary also makes it easier for the Sixers to make deals financially. Drummond is an ideal trade target in the coming weeks, considering the team already knows what he can do behind Embiid after appearing in his 49 games last season in Philadelphia.
It was reported Friday that the Bulls are likely to push for Drummond by Feb. 9.
Another veteran big the Sixers can target is Mason Plumlee of the Charlotte Hornets. The 32-year-old is entering his first year of career and his contract is expiring. It may take Plumlee a little more time to pull him off the Hornets, but he’s another center that can easily be plugged in behind Embiid.
Another name that could be on the Sixers’ radar is Kelly Olynyk. Given that the Utah Jazz are sure to be sellers by the deadline, previous lottery picks could be available.
Olynyk is great as a backup center, but the least realistic of the three names mentioned. He’s likely to get the best return, and his $12 million annual salary could be an obstacle for the deal to close.
