Philadelphia 76ers: 3 enthralling trades involving Robert Covington

On the eve of their most important offseason in recent memory, here are three trades the Philadelphia 76ers should consider involving Robert Covington.

Fresh off a 52-win season and armed with salary cap space, the Philadelphia 76ers enter the summer of 2018 seemingly in a position of power.

Having been the virtual laughing-stock of the league for nearly half a decade, the Sixers’ emergence last season as a legitimate force has cast them as one of the most fascinating teams to follow this offseason.

More specifically, it’s their potential pursuit of LeBron James.

Having just been trounced 4-0 in the NBA Finals at the hands of the Golden State Warriors, James’ decision on whether he continues with the Cleveland Cavaliers or follows another path this summer will undoubtedly be the most captivating of the offseason. Presently, the Sixers are second favorite to land James according to BetDSI, behind the Los Angeles Lakers.

With an emerging superstar duo in Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, the Sixers naturally present an incredibly enticing option for James should he wish to remain in the Eastern Conference. As is his custom, Embiid wasted no time in commencing the recruiting campaign shortly after the final buzzer sounded on the Cavaliers’ season:

While they would be able to sign James as a free agent, being proactive in making additional moves to entice James to sign should be at the front of the Sixers’ line of thinking.

The player that would most likely need to be moved out is small forward Robert Covington, who currently has four years and $46.9 million remaining on his current deal. One of the elite perimeter defenders in the league, Covington was recently recognized with his selection to the NBA All-Defensive First Team.

However, his inconsistencies on the offensive end have plagued him throughout his career, and were particularly evident this past postseason, when Covington was removed from the starting lineup for the final three games of their second round series against the Boston Celtics.

Having said this, Covington is still just 27 and is sure to have plenty of interest from rival suitors should he become available for trade.

So with the spectre of LeBron James lurking, here are three potential landing spots for Robert Covington this summer.