Philadelphia 76ers: A 4-team, blockbuster trade involving James Harden

Philadelphia 76ers overview

It was a case of oh so close and yet oh so far away for the Sixers. Cruelly eliminated from the postseason by a buzzer-beating Kawhi Leonard jumper, Philly’s collection of elite talent was not quite able to get over the line against eventual NBA finalists in the Toronto Raptors.

While their postseason play was more than promising, the future of the team is very much up in the air. As mentioned earlier, the Sixers face a tough summer, with the status of unrestricted free agents Jimmy Butler, Tobias Harris and J.J. Redick still in question.

As presently constructed, All-Star center Joel Embiid is the only starter certain to return next season. While he made his All-Star debut last season, point guard Ben Simmons has been mentioned in dispatches as a potential trade target, with the feeling among many that his skill-set may not necessarily mesh with Embiid’s in the short- and long-term.

In addition to sorting out free agency matters, the Sixers also need to address their second unit, especially in finding a reliable backup for Embiid. With the Sixers a staggering 69.3 points per 100 possessions worse off during the Raptors series when Embiid was off the floor, it goes without saying that this needs to be a top priority in the offseason.

With a stack of interesting storylines entering the offseason, the Sixers’ situation is at the very top of the list.