At this point, we feel bad for the Philadelphia 76ers. Truly. You can’t find an NBA trade rumor that doesn’t mention them. This team is at the center of far too much controversy at the moment.
James Harden is as good as gone. We know that. Joel Embiid may follow. This team is in shambles. The Sixers endured years of hardship They tanked to get here. Now, they may lose it all.
Disregard all of that. Time will tell whether the Sixers fall apart. In the meantime, there are ways they could improve this roster. For example, they could flip Tobias Harris for some depth. Here’s a deal that has them sending him to the New York Knicks.
The Trade Proposal
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, G/F Donte DiVincenzo, C Isaiah Hartenstein
New York Knicks Receive: F Tobias Harris
On the other hand, a team’s fortunes can change quickly. A situation can look bleak until an unexpected development changes everything. At one time, the Knicks were a source of great sympathy.
They missed on Zion Williamson. Then, they missed on Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. It felt like the Knicks couldn’t catch a break. This team was doomed to mediocrity. Surely, acquiring Jalen Brunson wouldn’t be enough to improve their fortunes?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Tobias Harris, Philadelphia 76ers & New York Knicks Updates
Wrong. Brunson developed into a star with the Knicks last season. As a result, the Knicks made a run to the second round of the playoffs. Nobody is sympathetic for this team anymore. Would acquiring Harris help them take another step forward?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
We think so. Harris is the best player in this trade. This would be an upgrade for the Knicks. Meanwhile, they’ve got the depth to spare the players that they’re giving up here.
DiVincenzo is a nice addition to this roster. Still, Josh Hart provides a similar 3-and-D skillset. The Knicks stopped playing Fouriner last year anyway. Finally, as good as Hartenstein is, Mitchell Robinson is better. Eventually, the Knicks may have to choose between them anyway.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Tobias Harris, Philadelphia 76ers & New York Knicks Updates
Harris would be a good choice. He can play the 3 while sharing a frontcourt with Robinson and Julius Randle. That would give the Knicks a nice blend of size, shooting, and defense. Should the Sixers help them set that frontcourt up?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
For the Sixers, this is a classic quality-for-quantity swap. Some won’t like it. With that said, this would undeniably improve their depth. They’re bringing in three rotation players for the price of one.
Perhaps the Knicks couldn’t find a use for Fournier. We suspect that the Sixers would. This is a quality offensive guard who can carry their second unit for spells. Meanwhile, Hartenstein would be the best backup they’ve had for Embiid, ever. He could help the Sixers keep the recent MVP fresh for the postseason.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Tobias Harris, Philadelphia 76ers & New York Knicks Updates
Of course, this all rests on Harden and Embiid. If the former is leaving, the Sixers would have to consider whether they can afford to part with Harris. If Embiid is leaving, they’ll be looking for a first-round pick in exchange for Harris. For now, all we can do is wait and see what happens – and feel bad for the Sixers at the same time.
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