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NBA: Teams That Can Realistically Trade for Superstars

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (L) and forward Nerlens Noel (R) work out prior to a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (L) and forward Nerlens Noel (R) work out prior to a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) an forward Nerlens Noel (4) in a game against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center. The Raptors won 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) an forward Nerlens Noel (4) in a game against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center. The Raptors won 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Philadelphia 76ers

Come June, the Philadelphia 76ers could have two Top 5 selections in the 2016 NBA Draft and a trio of intriguing big men in Joel Embiid, Nerlens Noel, and Jahlil Okafor. That’s an embarrassment of riches for a team that’s finally receiving guidance under Jerry Colangelo.

If Philadelphia is willing to part with one of those players and a first-round draft pick, it could create the beginnings of a trade for a superstar.

The 76ers are in possession of the worst record in the NBA at 8-45. The Los Angeles Lakers, a team from whom Philadelphia have a Top 3 protected first-round draft pick in 2016, have the third-worst record in the Association at 11-44.

The rights to both selections will be held in high regard on the trade market, and they’re excellent launching points in the discussion for a franchise player.

The obvious hurdle for Philadelphia is the fact that only one player on the roster makes more than $4.7 million: Carl Landry at $6.5 million. The positive is that Philadelphia has $9,630,651 in cap space, which makes a trade significantly easier to execute.

It won’t be the easiest of moves to make, but Philadelphia has the assets to make a significant and powerful move.

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