The Philadelphia 76ers are a little bit transparent. Right now, everyone around the NBA knows what they want to do. The team just traded James Harden. They didn’t get a star back – instead, they got assets. What will the Sixers do with those assets?
They’ll try to trade them for a star. General manager Daryl Morey doesn’t know any other way. He’s been chasing star players for as long as he’s been in the league. Why would he stop now?
With a new collection of draft capital, Morey can go out and get another big-name player.
He shouldn’t settle on just anyone. This time, Morey should go about things differently. He needs to land a star that will fit with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey – both on and off the court.
How about one of Embiid’s close friends? Here’s a deal with Pascal Siakam of the Toronto Raptors landing on the Sixers.
NBA Trade Proposal — Pascal Siakam Land Philadelphia 76ers
Toronto Raptors 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 76eers Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
On the other hand, Morey’s method isn’t the only means of building an NBA champion. Some would suggest that it’s not even the best method.
Recently, we’ve seen homegrown champions. The Denver Nuggets never traded for star players – they developed them. Sure. With that said, the other way has worked, too.
Look at the Toronto Raptors. This team has one NBA title in their history. If they hadn’t traded for Kawhi Leonard, they wouldn’t have any. Still, it’s worth noting that Leonard was a perfect fit for their roster when they landed him.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors Updates
As in life, there are several paths towards the same goal. It doesn’t matter how you build an NBA contender. What matters is contending. Would Siakam put the Sixers in a better position to contend?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
What type of co-star do the Sixers need? Well, let’s take a moment to survey what they already have; the Sixers have a dominant offensive big man in Joel Embiid. They’ve got a lead guard in Tyrese Maxey. What are they missing?
They could use a two-way wing. Sure, Tobias Harris is a good player. He’s a knockdown shooter and a capable defender. He’s not nearly as dynamic as Siakam. Siakam is a much more advanced playmaker and a considerably better defender.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors Updates
Either way, that’s a moot point: the two can co-exist. Harris has spent ample time at the three throughout his career. By acquiring Siakam, the Sixers would assemble one of the most talented rosters in the NBA.
Should the Raptors give up their star wing?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
The Raptors may have traded for a star to win their title. Now, it looks like they should favor a different team-building method. Scottie Barnes is rounding into form. He should be the focus of this team moving forward. Barnes is their franchise player.
Which, by the process of elimination, means that Siakam is not their franchise player anymore. That doesn’t mean that the Raptors have to move him. Still, by keeping him on the roster, the Raptors may be shortchanging their future. By accumulating some assets, they could net a co-star for Barnes who is at an age where he can grow with him.
So, that’s the decision that they’re making here. Two first-round picks and a swap are enough value, but when you look at these picks, the package is even better.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors Updates
The Clippers are aging and injury-prone; this is a particularly valuable pick. If the Raptors acquire it, they won’t need to hide their plans: they’ll be rebuilding.
