Problems have a way of snowballing. One can lead to another. You’re broke. So, you take out a loan to pay the rent. Great. Now, you’re broke – and in debt. Sometimes, NBA teams can let their problems snowball as well.
For example, suppose a star player demands a trade. Sometimes, that inspires another player to do the same. Just look at the Philadelphia 76ers. James Harden has requested a trade.
Will Joel Embiid be next? We don’t know. With that said, if the Sixers are falling apart, they could make everyone besides Tyrese Maxey available.
Could they send P.J. Tucker to the Boston Celtics?
The Trade Proposal
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G Payton Pritchard, F/C Luke Kornet, F Justin Champagnie, F Sam Hauser
Boston Celtics Receive: F P.J. Tucker, 2024 Second-Round Pick (NYK via PHI), 2027 Second-Round Pick (PHI)
On the other hand, all problems are not created equally. Some problems are good problems. That may feel oxymoronic. It isn’t. You’re rich. So, your taxes are high. That’s a good problem.
NBA teams can have good problems as well. For example, suppose you’ve put together a roster that’s too talented to afford. That’s a problem – but it’s a good one.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: PJ Tucker, Boston Celtics & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
That’s the position the Celtics are in. They had to let Grant Williams walk as a free agent this summer. Simply put, they couldn’t afford him. Would Tucker be a sufficient replacement?
Why The Boston Celtics Do The Deal
Absolutely. Are there stark differences between Tucker and Williams? Well, there’s at least one. Williams is young, and Tucker is nearing retirement.
That’s fine. The Celtics have a win-now window. Adding Tucker to replace Williams as a low-usage defensive wing will make them better next season. He’s exactly what this team is currently lacking.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: PJ Tucker, Boston Celtics & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Does moving Pritchard sting? Sure. At the same time, he’s going to hit restricted free agency next summer. The Celtics are unlikely to pay him. With that in mind, Boston might as well get some value for him before they lose him for nothing. Should the Sixers be looking to pay him?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
If Joel Embiid is content to see Harden’s departure through, the Sixers probably shouldn’t do this deal. They should remain in win-now mode as well. That’s not looking likely. Embiid recently made comments about wanting to compete for the NBA championship. He said that’s his goal – whether in Philadelphia or somewhere else.
This is not music to the ears of Sixers fans. If this ship is sinking, they need to act. This would be a good move from that point of view.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: PJ Tucker, Boston Celtics & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
After all, Pritchard has looked like a solid, floor-spacing rotation guard during his time in Boston. Meanwhile, if the Sixers are rebuilding, they’ll be able to afford to pay him. Hopefully, they can avoid these problems when their next rebuild is finished.
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