According to recent reports, the Philadelphia 76ers are interesting in acquiring swingman Tyreke Evans prior to the upcoming trade deadline.
The Feb. 8 trade deadline is fast approaching, and the news scuttle has certainly not disappointed.
The Philadelphia 76ers are now the latest team to enter the headlines, with swingman Tyreke Evans the subject of talks. Currently having a renaissance season with the Memphis Grizzlies, Evans would provide immense value for a Sixers team currently lacking sufficient depth in a number of areas.
Selected No. 4 overall in 2009, Evans is averaging 19.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.0 steals in 31.1 minutes per game. Beginning his first season with the Grizzlies coming off the bench, Evans has now started 26 of the past 27 games following the replacement of head coach David Fizdale.
A legitimate ball-handler with the ability to play a number of positions, its been Evans’ proficiency in shooting the ball that would make him an invaluable addition to the Sixers. A career 29.5 percent shooter from 3-point range prior to this season, Evans has increased both his volume and accuracy in dramatic fashion, converting at a 39.5 percent clip on 5.4 attempts per game.
Prior to this season, the most attempts Evans had attempted from long range came in the 2014-15 season when he launched 227 attempts. This season, he has already let it fly on 250 occasions, and has nailed three or more attempts in 15 games — something he achieved only 16 times in his previous eight seasons combined.
The initial reporting of the Sixers’ interest came from Marc Stein of The New York Times:
The Sixers have expressed trade interest in Tyreke Evans, according to league sources, but Memphis continues to seek a first-round pick in an Evans deal and Philly is naturally reluctant to surrender it
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 31, 2018
This was quickly followed up by Keith Pompey of Philly.com:
Source confirms #Sixers are interested in Tyreke Evans, but adds #Celtics, #Cavaliers, #Pelicans, #Thunder, #Heat & #Rockets have all contacted the #Grizzlies about the Chester native. "It going to come to a team giving them what they want," the source said. They want a 1-rounder
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) January 31, 2018
As Pompey mentioned, not only have the Sixers expressed interest, but several other playoff contenders are also interested in securing the services of the 6’6″ product of Memphis.
The recurring theme in the reporting of both Stein and Pompey is the Grizzlies’ desire to obtain a first round pick in exchange for Evans. Although still just 28, Evans’ long injury history has been well-documented, with persistent knee injuries limiting him to just 65 games over the previous two seasons combined. This will no doubt form some of the discussion when attempting to procure a trade.
But with a seemingly full bill of health at present, Evans is having unquestionably his best season since his rookie campaign. On a per-36 minute basis, this is comfortably his most productive season, especially when you factor in the aforementioned accuracy from long range.
Furthermore, the following tweet from Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN illustrates just how eager the Grizzlies are to get a deal done by Feb. 8:
As trade discussions involving Memphis Grizzlies guard Tyreke Evans intensify, front office plans to sit him out until a deal is completed, league sources tell ESPN. He'll start sitting vs. Pacers tonight. Trade deadline is next Thursday.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 31, 2018
For the Sixers, Evans would assume the role of an elite sixth man, with his ability to play positions 1-3 on both ends of the floor providing head coach Brett Brown with a multitude of options.
In terms of a suitable package, the Sixers’ 2020 first round selection is certainly something the Grizzlies will be seeking should Philly’s front office come to deal. Considering their most recent defeat, 116-108 at the hands of the Brooklyn Nets, a noticeable statistic again reared its ugly head.
For the night, the Sixers received a combined two points from their reserve backcourt — a solitary basket from T.J. McConnell. Another backup, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, was scoreless in 11 minutes of action, while veteran Jerryd Bayless received the dreaded Did Not Play – Coach’s Decision.
Over the course of the season, per NBA.com, the Sixers rank 29th in the league in offensive rating (points per 100 possessions) for guards coming off the bench at 100.0.
Next: 2017-18 Week 16 NBA Power Rankings
Evans’ ability to play either spot in the backcourt would make for an invaluable addition for a Sixers team currently at 24-24 at clinging to the eighth and final spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race.