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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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Trade details

Here’s the overview of the deal, which works out financially on the ESPN Trade Machine:

For the Magic, the addition of Covington simply adds to their arsenal of long, rangy perimeter players. With the likes of Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac, in addition to the aforementioned Bamba, Covington provides a young Magic squad a versatile player capable of playing in multiple positions. As an elite defensive player, he would fit like a glove within coach Clifford’s system.

https://twitter.com/OrlandoMagic/status/974330018183737344

In order to make the deal financially viable, the Sixers will include the expiring $8.6 million contract of guard Jerryd Bayless. So not only does the deal provide the Magic with future cap relief, the addition of Covington should help ensure the likes of Isaac are given extra time in their acclimation into the league.

For the Sixers, the addition of Fournier provides them with a high quality, consistent perimeter threat who possesses the ability to play multiple positions. Furthermore, given he has not tasted postseason action since appearing in four games in his debut season with the Denver Nuggets, the chance to play in an up-tempo playing style with an elite, emerging point guard in Ben Simmons could very easily enable Fournier to take his game to another level.

In Simmons, the Sixers would be hoping he could play a similar role to Ben Simmons, providing high-level perimeter defense in addition to a scoring punch when needed.

Back in the 2017 NBA Playoffs, when the Spurs were smashed in Game 2 of their series against the Golden State Warriors, Spurs’ head coach Gregg Popovich was full of praise for Simmons’ 22-point performance:

With that being said, one pitfall of this potential deal is the lost cap space the 76ers would no longer be able to use on a big fish in a loaded 2019 free agency class. The question, then, would be whether losing Covington’s 3-and-D skill-set and that cap space would be worth adding Fournier and Simmons?

Next. Ranking all 30 starting NBA shooting guards for 2018-19. dark

Overall, while these decisions are never easy, the upside for the Sixers could be well worth the risk.  While Fournier may have three years and $51 million remaining on his deal, the combination of his arrival in conjunction with Simmons simply provides the Sixers with an extra dimension they could needing their attempts to take the next step this upcoming season.