The Philadelphia 76ers have been near the top of the Eastern Conference throughout the 2020-21 NBA season. The Brooklyn Nets recently took over the top spot but the Sixers continue to be one of the championship contenders in the conference. They did not make any moves at the deadline but were aggressive in the offseason. This deal with the Portland Trail Blazers would continue that trend.
Philadelphia has finally taken the next step in the conference. They have been a staple in the postseason but have never been taken seriously as championship contenders. That has changed this season. Joel Embiid was having an MVP-caliber season before suffering an injury that has kept him sidelined.
This has caused some inconsistencies but he will return soon. Doc Rivers has made a huge difference as head coach while Daryl Morey continues to build an elite roster. This would be another step in the right direction for a team that is desperate for a championship.
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Like Philadelphia, the Blazers are looking like a postseason team. They are currently sixth in a difficult Western Conference with a 29-18 record. The duo of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum is once again at the top of the league but some of their role players have kept things consistent.
Norman Powell was added at the deadline and is in the midst of a strong season. Players like Carmelo Anthony and Enes Kanter keep the lineup balanced on both ends of the floor. The blazers have come up short plenty of time in the postseason so there could be a change on the horizon.
There have been talks of McCollum being moved in recent years but nothing has happened just yet. This is a potential deal that could move him in the offseason once it is all said and done.
