The Philadelphia 76ers are officially star-hunting. That’s because they just lost a star. The Sixers made waves around the NBA when they traded James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers. What was notable about the trade was that the Sixers didn’t receive a star in return.
Instead, they received assets. That’s fine. It feels like the Sixers’ plan here is transparent. They intend on moving the assets that they received for Harden to land a star.
Perhaps that’s why the Sixers have been linked to names like Zach LaVine, Donovan Mitchell, Pascal Siakam and Bojan Bogdanovic. Wait…Bojan Bogdanovic?
He’s not exactly in the same tier as those players. Yet, the Sixers could justify acquiring him. They already have two star players. Perhaps the Sixers could simply look to strengthen the group around Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
Here’s a deal that has them landing Bogdanovic from the Detroit Pistons.
NBA Trade Proposal: Philadelphia 76ers Land Detroit Pistons’ Bojan Bogdanovic
Detroit Pistons Receive: F/C Marcus Morris Sr., 2028 First-Round Pick (LAC via DET)
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F Bojan Bogdanovic
This would not be a typical move for Sixers GM Daryl Morey. More often than not, he chases the biggest names he can find.
On one level, that’s justifiable. In the NBA, top-end talent tends to win out over everything else. On the other hand, there are other factors that determine success.
An NBA team is exactly that – a team. The pieces need to fit. The players need to develop chemistry together, and their skill sets need to complement each other.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Has Morey kept that in mind throughout his NBA career? That’s debatable. Morey has put some fantastic teams together. If he’s your GM, you’re likely to contend for the title.
Still, it feels fair to say that he hasn’t always been mindful of constructing rosters on the margins.
Would acquiring Bogdanovic break from that trend?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
Yes. Frankly, we love this idea. Sure, the Sixers could sell the farm for LaVine. Does he really complement Maxey? The same holds for Mitchell. Siakam would be a better fit, but he may not be an optimal one.
The combined floor spacing between Embiid and Siakam could prove problematic. That wouldn’t be a problem with Bogdanovic. He’s one of the best shooters in the NBA.
This makes perfect sense. Bogdanovic’s three-point gravity will open up driving lanes for Maxey and make it more difficult for teams to double team Embiid on the low block.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Sure, Bogdanovic is a questionable defender. That’s fine. The Sixers would still have Robert Covington and Nicolas Batum on their roster from the Harden trade. This deal gives them a deep, well-rounded roster that should compete for the title.
Should the Pistons help them complete their roster?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
Bogdanovic has actually been absent throughout the entire 2023-24 season so far. Frankly, the Pistons have looked fine without him. Sure, they’ve got a losing record, but the Pistons are making progress. This team looks ready to take the next step towards being competitive.
They’re also trying to establish an identity. The Pistons have benched Jaden Ivey in favor of Killian Hayes. This young team wants to establish a defensive identity. Bogdanovic won’t necessarily help with that.
None of which means they’ve got to move him. The Pistons could prefer to hang onto Bogdanovic and try to make a leap when he returns.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Still, they’d have to be tempted to move him for an especially valuable first-round pick. If the Clippers fall apart, they could use that pick to draft a star.
