Around the NBA, there will always be competing philosophies. At the moment, there’s debate about guard play. Does a point guard need to be able to create their shot? What is the difference between a point guard and an off-guard? What’s the value of playmaking? Opinions will vary.
Traditionalists will suggest that any team needs a player to stir its drink. They’ll argue that someone has to be setting their guys up. Others will say that offense is offense.
It doesn’t matter if your point guard gets the points or gets the points for someone else, as long as they are produced.
Due to that philosophy, more teams pair two dynamic scoring guards in their backcourt. In the end, talent comes before everything else.
Could the Philadelphia 76ers share that philosophy by pairing Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers with Tyrese Maxey?
NBA Trade Proposal — Philadelphia 76ers Land Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: F/C Marcus Morris Sr., F Robert Covington, F Nicolas Batum, 2028 First-Round Pick (LAC via PHI), 2029 First-Round Pick (PHI), 2030 First-Round Pick (Swap – PHI)
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G Donovan Mitchell
That’s not the only competing philosophy around the NBA. People have their own opinions about how a frontcourt should be formed as well. Lately, we’ve seen an influx of players who have inspired debate. Are they a center, or are they a power forward?
Look at Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs and Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder. They have strikingly similar physical profiles. Yet, the Spurs are opting to start Wembanyama at the four, whereas Holmgren is the Thunder’s starting big man.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Evan Mobley of the Cavaliers’ is another one of those players. The Cavs tried to pair him with a traditional big man in Jarrett Allen. In last year’s playoffs, the pairing didn’t look right. Their combined floor spacing posed offensive problems for the Cavaliers.
Does this deal help solve any of those problems?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
It might. For the Sixers, Morris Sr., Covington, and Batum were mere salary matchers. They traded Harden for the draft capital. That wouldn’t be the case for the Cavaliers.
They could actually use this trio of stout defensive wings. By pairing them with Mobley, they could build one of the best defenses in the NBA. Yet, they’re also largely concerned with the draft capital.
Cleveland gave up three first-round picks for Mitchell. Here, they’re landing two, along with a swap. That’s a bit less, but that’s fine. The Clippers pick that they’re receiving here will be viewed as one of the most valuable first-round picks in the NBA.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
After all, the Clippers are aging, injury-prone, and without any remaining assets to improve. Cleveland won’t want to rush into this deal, but if rumors of Mitchell’s unhappiness are valid, they may want to get ahead of the problem and move him now.
Should the Sixers want him?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
Throw all of your philosophies out of the window. Forget about roster fit. This is all about talent. The Sixers are simply putting as much talent on the floor as they can at one time.
It should work out nicely. For what it’s worth, both Maxey and Mitchell have some playmaking chops. These aren’t pure scoring guards. While neither man is a traditional point guard, they’re both solid enough in terms of passing that they should be able to cobble together a workable offense.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Meanwhile, guarding this star duo would be difficult enough. In this case, neither is even the team’s first option. With Joel Embiid in the middle, this team would have enough talent to beat any team in the NBA. No matter what your philosophy is, you’d have to concede that.
