Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal 

The Sixers would surely prefer to avoid trading Maxey. Still, if their reported interest in Durant is real, they won’t find a path toward acquiring him without moving their star guard. 

The Sixers are simply too light on assets. It’s difficult to even imagine a three-team deal that has Durant landing in Philly without sending Maxey elsewhere. He’d be a necessary casualty here. 

Of course, we used the word necessary for a reason. If this deal is on the table, the Sixers have to take it. The logic is simple: this is Kevin Durant we’re talking about. 

Durant remains one of the best players in the NBA. Yes, this would be his third time teaming up with James Harden – but they’ve never had Joel Embiid at their side.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets & Philadelphia 76ers Updates

Moreover, Durant’s elite off-ball skills should offset any fit concerns between the Sixers’ two iso-heavy stars. 

If all goes well, the three could make a special moment by the end of the 2022-23 season.