NBA teams don’t like trading good players. That’s a general rule of thumb. No matter what situation a team is in, trading a good player stings.
Yet, it can be the right decision. A rebuilding team doesn’t need good players. Put differently, if a team is bad, having a good player or two doesn’t do much for that team’s outlook.
Take a team like the Charlotte Hornets. Terry Rozier is having a strong season, but the Hornets are near the bottom of the standings. With that in mind, they should be looking to move the veteran guard as the deadline approaches.
Should they send him to the Philadelphia 76ers?
NBA Trade Proposal: Philadelphia 76ers Land Charlotte Hornets’ Terry Rozier
Charlotte Hornets Receive: F/C Marcus Morris Sr., F Robert Covington, 2028 First-Round Pick (LAC via PHI)
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G Terry Rozier, G Ish Smith
Daryl Morey doesn’t like moving good players, either. He’s typically avoided doing so throughout his NBA career. This year, he made an exception. Morey sent James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers.
He didn’t receive an especially good player in return – or at least, he didn’t receive a star. Instead, Morey received a collection of role players and some draft capital. What will he do with it?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Most would expect him to flip it for a star. That might be an option. With that said, the Sixers have looked like contenders even in Harden’s absence. They could settle for a good player.
Is Rozier the right option?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
In Harden’s absence, Tyrese Maxey has emerged as a superstar. With that in mind, some fans will question our logic here. Why are the Sixers putting another guard in Maxey’s way?
Well, in all likelihood, Rozier would pilot this team’s second unit. The Sixers don’t have viable lineups without Maxey or Joel Embiid in them. After adding Rozier, they’ll have the flexibility to rest both of their stars at the same time. Rozier can carry those units.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Still, he can also co-exist with Philly’s stars. Rozier is a capable floor spacer who can work off the ball. Meanwhile, the Sixers would still have some leftover assets to make some additional moves this summer.
Should the Hornets prioritize the assets they’re getting here?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
Absolutely. This isn’t just a first-round pick – this is a premium selection. The Clippers are aging and injury-prone. They may be in the lottery by 2028.
Meanwhile, the Hornets are dreadful. At this point in the season, a playoff push feels out of reach. The Hornets would be wise to retool by flipping a good veteran for a valuable first-round pick.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Finally, the Hornets are exclusively getting expiring contracts back here. They should value that financial flexibility as well. In time, that could help them make a move for a good player instead of losing one.
