The NBA is driven by star power. Some general managers have taken that fact to heart. They’re known for chasing stars at all costs. Daryl Morey of the Philadelphia 76ers is one of those GMs.
So, the return that he got for James Harden this year was interesting. Morey didn’t get a star player in return for him. Instead, he got assets.
There’s an obvious conclusion to be drawn here – Morey is going to chase stars with those assets. Most fans are expecting him to attempt to make a deal for a major player leading up to this year’s deadline.
Perhaps he will. Still, if Morey could get away with hanging onto some of those assets, he’d have to consider it. The Sixers could upgrade their roster and still have some draft capital to spare for future moves. It would simply mean settling for a lesser star.
How about Julius Randle of the New York Knicks?
NBA Trade Proposal: Philadelphia 76ers Land New York Knicks’ Julius Randle
New York Knicks Receive: F/C Marcus Morris Sr., G/F Furkan Korkmaz, F Danuel House Jr., 2028 First-Round Pick (LAC via PHI)
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F Julius Randle
With that in mind, every star is not created equally. You’ve got your full-stop superstars, and then, you’ve got some less obvious cases. Take Joel Embiid. He’s a superstar, and nobody can question it. He may not be perfect, but any GM would agree that he’s a player worth building around. What about Harden?
That’s a different case. Harden used to be the type of star that any general manager would design a team around. For almost a decade, the Houston Rockets were in the title picture with Harden as their leading man.
Unfortunately, his value has steadily declined since those days. By now, you’d be hard-pressed to find a GM who’d build their team around Harden.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Julius Randle, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
What about Julius Randle? Well, he’s never really had that franchise player label. On the other hand, Randle has had seasons where he performed at an All-NBA level. His issue is inconsistency.
Should the Sixers take a chance on him?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
Randle may not be the cleanest fit. He’s a wildly inconsistent shooter and can be a lackluster defender. At the same time, that’s why he could be available at the price of some contracts and a first-round pick. This could be a buy-low opportunity for the 76ers.
More than anything, they’re looking to increase their firepower here. Say what you will about Randle, but this floor-spacing forward can create his own shot and make plays for others.
Randle is talented. Moreover, the Sixers may be as well equipped to minimize his flaws as any team in the NBA. After all, Randle’s efficiency should spike alongside Embiid and Tyrese Maxey as a third option.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Julius Randle, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Meanwhile, Embiid’s elite rim protection could cover for Randle’s shortcomings on defense. There’s some risk involved for the Sixers here, but the payoff could be enormous.
Should the Knicks let them potentially improve their team?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
Randle would be the third option in Philly. In New York, he’s sharing leading man duties with Jalen Brunson. That’s often been problematic.
By now, the Knicks must be wondering whether they need a bigger star to carry this team to title contention. Luckily, they’ve got the means to land one. The Knicks have a fantastic collection of draft capital and contracts they could easily move.
This deal aims to enhance their ability to trade for a star. Above all else, they’re moving Randle for an unprotected first-round pick. Will this deal make them better right now? No.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Julius Randle, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Please make no mistake: it will make them worse. Ultimately, it’ll be worth that cost if it helps them trade for a star. What could be more important in the National Basketball Association?
