The Philadelphia 76ers are among the most talked about teams in the NBA. You’ve heard all the rumors. You probably know all of the facts, too.
James Harden wants out. That’s a fact. The beard superstar just called general manager Daryl Morey “a liar”. There’s no ambiguity here. Harden wants out. In time, we’ll see how this situation resolves. Meanwhile, some have speculated that a request from Harden could lead to a Joel Embiid request following.
Put all of that aside. Pretend that you’ve heard none of it. The Sixers will have to search for ways to improve this roster if they’re going to convince Embiid to stay. Acquiring an elite shooter would be a good start. How about Buddy Hield of the Indiana Pacers?
The Trade Proposal
Indiana Pacers Receive: F P.J. Tucker, F/C Paul Reed, 2027 Second-Round Pick (PHI), 2029 Second-Round Pick (PHI)
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G/F Buddy Hield
Fine. You can’t pretend you haven’t heard the rumors. We understand – neither can we. So, let’s dive deeper into them instead.
Why would Embiid request a trade? Well, Harden’s trade value is at an all-time low. For starters, Harden is on an expiring deal. He’ll be a free agent next summer. Teams aren’t going to give up the farm for a player who seems likely to leave them the following summer. Considering how often Harden leaves his team, he’s an especially large flight risk.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Buddy Hield, Philadelphia 76ers & Indiana Pacers Updates
So, the Sixers will likely have to trade him for pennies on the dollar. Embiid isn’t likely to be happy about that. If the Sixers can’t replace his production, Embiid could decide that it’s time to move on. Could this deal be enough to keep him in town?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
If the Sixers want to keep Embiid, they’ll have to present him with a plan. Having financial flexibility next summer could be part of it. If the Sixers can hang onto Embiid for that long, they could convince him to stay by bringing in a new co-star via free agency.
With that said, the Sixers can’t necessarily afford to burn next year entirely, either. Embiid isn’t likely to stand for that. IF they’re going to clear cap space for next summer, they’ve got to do it in a way that also has a chance of making them an easy team. That’s a difficult needle to thread. We feel like this deal accomplishes both goals.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Buddy Hield, Philadelphia 76ers & Indiana Pacers Updates
After all, adding an elite shooter like Hield should make them a better team. At the same time, he’s on an expiring contract. Hield should help them now, and shedding Tucker and Reed’s contracts should help them later. Should the Pacers help them orchestrate that plan?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
Meanwhile, the Pacers have been linked to countless 4s this summer. In fact, they’ve been said to be interested in the Sixers’ own Tobias Harris. You can throw Pascal Siakam on the list as well. The Pacers have a glaring hole at that spot in their roster.
This deal solves it. In the short term, Tucker might actually start for this team. He’s nearing the end of his career, but he’s still an aggressive, versatile defensive wing. With that said, the real prize here is Reed.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Buddy Hield, Philadelphia 76ers & Indiana Pacers Updates
At 24, he’s got ample room to improve. Meanwhile, Reed is already a solid defender with a knack for hustle plays who provides a little bit of floor spacing. If the Pacers are set on acquiring a 4, this deal should work for them – they’re landing two. They might just be saving the Philadelphia 76ers in the process.
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