The Philadelphia 76ers have finally traded James Harden. He is now a member of the Los Angeles Clippers. NBA fans have been waiting for this moment, and it’s finally here. What’s next for the Sixers?
Well, they’re expected to look to trade for a star. The Sixers prioritized first-round picks in their return for Harden. Now, they’ve got some new assets. If they wanted, they could get in the market for a new co-star for Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey at the deadline.
Perhaps they should do exactly that. On the other hand, Embiid and Maxey can establish a high-caliber offense without any help. Tobias Harris’ presence helps as well.
The Sixers could alternatively make a move for one of the best role players in the NBA. How about OG Anunoby of the Toronto Raptors?
NBA Trade Proposal — Philadelphia 76ers Land OG Anunoby
Toronto Raptors Receive: F Marcus Morris Sr., 2028 First-Round Pick (LAC via PHI), 2029 First-Round Pick (PHI)
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F OG Anunoby
Finally, we can stop speculating on Harden’s landing spot. We’ve seen suggestions that he could end up on all sorts of teams. At some times, we even thought he could end up on the Toronto Raptors.
Yet, the Raptors have been linked to all sorts of players. Some have them rebuilding, while others have them making a win-now push. That’s because the Raptors are in such an interesting position.
They could make a deep playoff run by adding some win-now talent, but they’ve got enough young talent to justify a rebuild as well.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Either way, it’s now a moot point when it comes to Harden. He’s a Los Angeles Clipper. That’s one more star that could have upgraded the Raptors who’s now off the market.
Should they finally concede and rebuild?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
In all likelihood, the Raptors shouldn’t have acquired Harden anyway. He’d be a one-year rental who might leave next summer. More broadly, the Raptors would probably be better off rebuilding.
That doesn’t mean that they’ve got to trade Anunoby. Realistically, trading the older Pascal Siakam would be a higher priority. With that said, Anunoby is due for a contract extension soon.
The Raptors may not want to make a long-term commitment to him if they’re out of the playoff hunt. Anunoby should be seen as a trade candidate, as well as Siakam.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
If they’re moving Anunoby, they might as well get as much draft capital as they can. A pair of first round picks ought to suffice. Throw in an expiring contract, which is a good deal for the Raptors. Does it work for the Sixers?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
The Sixers have traded Harden. Now, they need to avoid having to trade Joel Embiid. Plenty has suggested that he could request a trade if the Sixers regress, having lost Harden. Now, it’s time to see if they end up regressing.
Hope isn’t lost. As we said, the Sixers still have Embiid, Maxey, and Harris. That’s a talented trio. In fact, Maxey has been more statistically productive than anybody expected Harden to be in 2023-24. The Sixers don’t need a lead guard – they already have one.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
So, why not acquire one of the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA? Anunoby is an exceptional defensive playmaker who spaces the floor. He makes the Sixers a better team – with or without Harden.
