NBA Trade Grades: Rockets shipping James Ennis to 76ers

HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 25: James Ennis III #8 of the Houston Rockets reacts in the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Toyota Center on January 25, 2019 in Houston, Texas. 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. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

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In continual search of upgrades to their bench, the Philadelphia 76ers have acquired James Ennis from the Houston Rockets. Here are NBA Trade Grades for both sides.

Among the mega deals the Philadelphia 76ers have managed to pull off since the beginning of the 2018-19 season, multiple holes still remained throughout their second unit — even more so after acquiring both Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris.

In a busy deadline day, general manager Elton Brand has managed to at least somewhat fill those needs with a couple of moves.

The first of those maneuvers brought James Ennis from the Houston Rockets, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

The #sixers will waive Malachi Richardson to make room for James Ennis, per sources. The Sixers acquired Richardson, Toronto's 2022 2nd round pick and the rights to Emir Preldzic yesterday in exchange for cash considerations.
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) February 7, 2019

A 6’7” wing player, the Rockets had signed Ennis as a way to counteract the loss of 3-and-D specialist Trevor Ariza last summer. In 23.7 minutes per game, the fourth-year forward averaged just 7.4 points but shot a respectable 36.7 percent from beyond the arc.

As is the case in any deal, the Rockets acquired something in return for the services of Ennis — just the right to swap 2021 second round picks though. This deal was more of a precursor for Houston, freeing up a roster spot in order to be players in the forthcoming buyout market.

Given the multitude of trades that went down throughout the week, this one wasn’t considered one to gossip about, but that won’t stop the evaluations in our latest NBA Trade Grades.