Every general manager in the NBA has a reputation. Perhaps they’re known for drafting well. A GM may be known for making smart, marginal deals. Alternatively, they may be known for mismanaging assets.
Daryl Morey of the Philadelphia 76ers is known for chasing stars. That’s Morey’s legacy. He’s looking to add as many star players to his roster as he can at all times.
All of which made his 2023-23 trade deadline somewhat confusing. Morey acquired Buddy Hield – a good player, but not a star. Perhaps he recognizes that this Sixers team already has the talent to contend.
The Sixers may only need some marginal upgrades. With that in mind, could they acquire Draymond Green from the Golden State Warriors this summer?
NBA Trade Proposal
Golden State Warriors Receive: F Tobias Harris
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F/C Draymond Green
Is that why Morey didn’t acquire a star? It’s possible. With Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey on the roster, the Sixers are already contenders. Morey may have preferred to hang onto his best assets.
On the other hand, Morey wasn’t the only GM to decline a major move at this year’s deadline. In a buyer’s market, the deadline was quiet. Teams around the NBA were apprehensive when it came to forking assets over.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
With that said, Morey could have exploited that situation. The Sixers don’t have the best collection of assets – but in this market, they could have afforded a lower-tier one. So, give Morey credit for being patient. Should his patience run thin this summer?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
We’ll start with a caveat. Harris is heading to the Warriors via sign-and-trade. We’re assuming that his next contract will be in the same neighborhood as Green’s annual salary here.
In that event, the Sixers are swapping floor spacing for defense here. That could be a smart trade. Joel Embiid is a strong rim protector, but he’s also the Sixers’ first offensive option.
Bringing in a forward who can offer him more help on the opposite end of the floor could relieve some of the fatigue that tends to plague him throughout the year.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Meanwhile, Green is no slouch on offense. He’s aging, but his secondary playmaking will still be useful to this team. Could the Warriors really send him off?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
Will this deal work financially? We can’t be certain. It doesn’t only depend on Harris’ market value. It also depends on what the Warriors do with Klay Thompson.
Let’s assume he takes a payout – that’s likely. The Warriors will have some cap space to work with. In theory, they should be able to orchestrate a sign-and-trade involving Harris.
It could benefit them as well. The Warriors are desperate for more offense behind Steph Curry. Harris’ elite floor spacing should make them harder to guard.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
With some internal development from Jonathan Kuminga, this deal could help the Warriors get back to title contention in 2024-25. After all, this organization has a reputation to protect.
