Who Might The Sixers Trade With?
Dec 7, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Spencer Hawes (00) shoots a jump shot over the defense of Denver Nuggets forward JJ Hickson (7) during the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. The Nuggets defeated the Sixers 103-92. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Team(s) they are trading with: Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers
Trade: Sixers receive Portland’s 2014 1st round pick, Meyers Leonard, Houston protected 2014 2nd round pick; Rockets receive Spencer Hawes, Portland receives Omer Asik
Why the Sixers do the deal: Philly gets an exciting young athlete, a couple of draft picks and make their team a whole lot worse with this trade. It’s perfect.
Why Portland does the deal: They still need to shore up their defense and Omer Asik can really provided some great rim protection next to MVP candidate LaMarcus Aldridge. Robin Lopez could move to the bench and become an awesome energy guy. A deal like this could really push the Blazers over the top and firmly put them into title contention.
Why Houston does the deal: Omer Asik is very unhappy and is not contributing anything to the cause. Spencer Hawes can give them some real flexibility. He is shooting over 40% from three-point range this season. This could allow them to run a Hawes-Howard duo, or bring Hawes off the bench and use him when Dwight gets into foul trouble. The possibilities are endless.