Keep an eye on the Philadelphia 76ers. They’re already one of the best teams in the NBA. Meanwhile, the Sixers have assets to spend. This team may not be a finished product.
They were supposed to be finished. The Sixers entered the 2023-24 season with James Harden on their roster. That wouldn’t last long. Harden requested a trade, and the Sixers didn’t waste time fulfilling his request.
In return, the Sixers received the aforementioned assets. Meanwhile, this team has looked like title contenders without Harden. The Sixers don’t need to trade for a star. They could target a strong role player.
How about Buddy Hield of the Indiana Pacers?
NBA Trade Proposal: Philadelphia 76ers Land Indiana Pacers’ Buddy Hield
Indiana Pacers Receive: F/C Marcus Morris Sr., 2024 Second-Round Pick (NYK via PHI), 2027 Second-Round Pick (PHI), 2028 Second-Round Pick (PHI), 2029 Second-Round Pick (POR via PHI)
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G/F Buddy Hield
The Sixers are not the first team that Harden has requested a trade from. He also forced his way off of the Houston Rockets and the Brooklyn Nets. This has left his legacy in a complicated place.
On the one hand, Harden has developed a reputation for jumping ship. With that said, it hasn’t especially hurt the Sixers. Tyrese Maxey has developed into a superstar lead ball-handler. Was Harden holding him back? Are the Sixers better without him?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
We’re not sure. One thing is clear: the Los Angeles Clippers are better with Harden. Say what you want about the bearded superstar, but his talent is undeniable.
Should the Sixers fill his rotation spot with Hield?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
Clearly, Hield is not Harden. He offers very little from-scratch offense. That’s part of why he’d be available at the cost of four second-round picks. The fact that Hield’s contract is expiring also impacts his value.
So, what does he bring to the table? Shooting. Hield is one of the best shooters in the NBA. His presence on the floor will open up space for Maxey and Joel Embiid to operate. This deal ought to make the Sixers a significantly more dangerous team.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
They shouldn’t balk at this price, either. Contending teams shouldn’t hoard second-round picks. Meanwhile, this deal also leaves Philly with enough draft capital to make a major move next summer.
With Hield and Tobias Harris’ deals expiring, they could be major players in free agency as well.
Should the Pacers afford them that flexibility?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
The Pacers have the best offense in the NBA. Hield has undeniably been a major part of their attack. His floor spacing makes life easier for Tyrese Haliburton. Why are they moving Hield?
The expiring contract. That’s effectively the only reason the Pacers make this deal. At the beginning of the year, it had been suggested that they’d look to move Hield.
As the deadline approaches, those rumors are resurfacing. If Indiana doesn’t think they’ll extend Hield this summer, they might as well move on from him.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Four second-round picks ought to satisfy them. No, these aren’t premium picks. Still, that’s a considerable amount of assets for a player on an expiring contract. NBA fans ought to keep an eye on Hield and the Pacers as well.
