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Philadelphia 76ers: A trade proposition for the Orlando Magic

By Simon Smith

PHILADELPHIA,PA - FEBRUARY 24 : Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic looks to pass the ball against Philadelphia 76ers during game at the Wells Fargo Center on February 24, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA,PA - FEBRUARY 24 : Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic looks to pass the ball against Philadelphia 76ers during game at the Wells Fargo Center on February 24, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Player overview

For the Sixers, there is the need for immediate impact, and an increase in their overall depth. For the Magic, it’s simply players that fit their current mold, in addition to future salary cap space.

Trading away a player just selected to the NBA All-Defensive First Team is certainly not done easily. At 6’9″ and with a 7’2″ wingspan, Robert Covington certainly has all the physical attributes to remain one of the elite defenders in the league.

However, after starting last season like a house of fire at the offensive end, Covington cooled markedly as the season progressed. Such were his struggles, that in the midst of the Sixers’ second-round playoff matchup with the Boston Celtics, head coach Brett Brown inserted backup point guard T.J. McConnell into the starting lineup in place of Covington.

While a new season may bring about a change of fortunes, Covington is now a career 39.9 percent shooter from the field, which includes hitting at a 35.8 percent clip from long distance. Now 27 years old and with four full seasons in the league behind him, it’s hard to foreshadow a dramatic improvement in the near future.

On the other hand, Evan Fournier has shown a steady improvement through his six seasons in the league. Still only 25, Fournier has improved his scoring each year, averaging 17.8 points in 32.2 minutes per game last year while returning .459/.379/.867 shooting splits. While he doesn’t possesses the physical or defensive traits of Covington, Fournier nonetheless stands at 6’7″ and is more than apt at switching between the 2 and the 3.

In addition to Fournier, the deal also delivers the Sixers a versatile swingman in Jonathon Simmons. A certifiable late bloomer, Simmons will soon be 29, having completed just his third season in the league. At 6’6″ and possessing elite athleticism, his ability to fill a lane while also having the ability to guard multiple positions would enable the Sixers increased flexibility when formulating lineups.

Having spent two seasons with the San Antonio Spurs prior to joining the Orlando Magic, Simmons would more than welcome being involved in a winning environment again. In his second season, despite averaging just 17.8 minutes per game, the Spurs were 5.6 points per 100 possessions better off defensively when Simmons was on the floor, with his astounding 96.7 defensive rating leading the team.