Few NBA teams have as many questions to ask themselves as the Philadelphia 76ers. It’s been a turbulent summer in the City of Brotherly Love. The Sixers have a lot of problems, and they need to resolve them – quickly.
James Harden has requested a trade. He doesn’t seem likely to change his mind. Harden publicly called Sixers general manager Daryl Morey a liar in a public forum. Now, some are speculating whether this situation could impact Embiid’s future with the team. If they lose the league’s reigning MVP, the Sixers could be in for a difficult, long-term rebuilding process.
This team has problems. They need solutions. For now, the Sixers should be focused on fielding the best team that they can in 2023-24. That will give them the best odds of retaining Embiid on a long-term basis. Could acquiring Spencer Dinwiddie from the Brooklyn Nets help them next year?
The Trade Proposal
Brooklyn Nets Receive: F Tobias Harris
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G Spencer Dinwiddie, F Dorian Finney-Smith
It wasn’t so long ago that the Nets were contending with a Harden trade request of their own. In fact, that’s how he ended up on the Sixers. Now, he wants to leave that team, too. Is Harden officially volatile?
Perhaps. To some, that may feel unfair. Harden’s first trade request came as a member of the Houston Rockets. That request was defensible – the Rockets were falling apart. Meanwhile, the Nets can probably blame Kyrie Irving for Harden’s request before they can blame Harden. Finally, we don’t know what happened between Harden and Morey to lead to this point.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Spencer Dinwiddie, Brooklyn Nets & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Sure. On the other hand, a pattern is a pattern. Harden is the common denominator in each of these situations. Either way, the Sixers now need to figure out what comes next with Harden. Could they acquire Dinwiddie to replace him?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
Obviously, Dinwiddie can’t replace Harden completely. Harden is among the best playmakers in the NBA, and Dinwiddie is closer to a fringe starter. With that said, he is a solid shot-creator and playmaker who can replicate some of Harden’s impact.
Meanwhile, the Sixers would still have Harden to trade after this move. That’s key here. The Sixers are bolstering their depth. This deal has them bringing in two quality rotation players. If they could bring in a few more for Harden, who knows? The Sixers could actually field a contender next year.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Spencer Dinwiddie, Brooklyn Nets & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
After all, Embiid is still in town. So is Tyrese Maxey. If the Sixers can surround that star duo with a deep cast of contributors, they could be a dangerous team. The Sixers will also hope to benefit from a coaching change having hired Nick Nurse. This deal could help them avoid those difficult questions we’d mentioned before. Does it provide the Nets with any clarity?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
The Sixers may be facing a lot of difficult questions. Still, the Nets have their own queries. This team does not have a contending roster. Yet, having sent their draft capital for the foreseeable future to the Houston Rockets, they’ve got no incentive to bottom out, either.
Moreover, this roster is about to get expensive. Ben Simmons’ albatross contract looms over them. The Nets just gave Cameron Johnson a major deal. Meanwhile, Nic Claxton will be due for an extension next summer. Now, the Nets should be looking to save a buck wherever they can.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Spencer Dinwiddie, Brooklyn Nets & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
In other words, this is mostly about getting off of Finney-Smith’s contract. Dinwiddie is on an expiring deal, and so is Harris, but Finney-Smith is on a long-term deal. The Nets have a platoon of 3-and-D wings: they can afford to lose Finney-Smith. It just might mean helping the Sixers answer some questions in the process.
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