The NBA’s trade season is underway. O.G. Anunoby is officially a member of the New York Knicks. That said, trade season started some time ago for the Philadelphia 76ers.
After all, they made the first blockbuster deal of the season. The Sixers sent James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers. They didn’t receive a star in return. Instead, the Sixers received some assets that they could use to trade for a star.
With that said, they don’t have to make another blockbuster deal. The Sixers have looked like contenders even without Harden. If they wanted, they could make a deal for a valuable role player instead.
How about Dorian Finney-Smith of the Brooklyn Nets?
NBA Trade Proposal
Brooklyn Nets Receive: F Robert Covington, 2028 First-Round Pick (Top 10 Protected – PHI)
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F Dorian Finney-Smith
In a sense, these teams are already connected. They’ve both had the Harden experience in recent years. They’ve both had the Ben Simmons experience, too.
The Sixers traded Simmons to the Nets in exchange for Harden. How did that work out for each team? It’s hard to say. On the one hand, Harden has already left the Sixers. Philadelphia attached assets to Simmons’ contract for what ultimately amounted to a rental.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
At the same time, Simmons is rarely healthy enough to get on the floor. This may have been a rare case of a lose-lose trade. Is this trade a win for the Nets?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
There’s more fallout from the Harden experience for Brooklyn. The Houston Rockets control their draft through to 2027, having sent Harden to Brooklyn in the first place. With that in mind, some have suggested that the Nets can’t rebuild.
Fair. On the other hand, this team is mediocre in 2023-24. At some point, the Nets could determine that this is a lost season. In that event, they may not mind sending the Rockets one good draft pick if it improves their future outlook.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
That’s the calculus here. The Nets are flipping a valuable role player for a valuable asset. The pick is protected, but it could still be useful in making another deal down the line.
Should the Sixers give up this pick?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
Let’s double back to the Anunoby deal. The Sixers were always seen as a candidate to land him. That made sense. When you look at this team’s roster, all they’re missing is a strong 3-and-D wing.
Think about it. They’ve got their franchise player and defensive anchor rolled into one in Joel Embiid. They’ve got a superstar lead guard in Tyrese Maxey. Tobias Harris is a viable third offensive option. The Sixers don’t need to break the bank on another star player.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
With that logic in mind, Finney-Smith could be perfect. He can guard multiple positions and space the floor. The Sixers don’t need much else. This team’s trade season may be coming to an end before we know it.
