Minnesota Timberwolves: Evaluating Robert Covington trade partners, mock trades
3. Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia is in an interesting spot if it wants to bring back Covington. It may mess with the fluidity of the team. It also is $4.4 million under the luxury tax, which gives them little room to maneuver, unless the trade Josh Richardson.
But Richardson has become more of the primary ball-handler as the Sixers use Ben Simmons off the ball more and getting him downhill. Trading Richardson would work out financially but holding off and sending Mike Scott, Zhaire Smith and picks may do the trick.
As it stands, this deal would keep Philadelphia under the luxury tax by $946,000. It would significantly hurt the Sixers’ future moves trying to work around that tax line with several lengthy contracts and near-maxes.
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Smith is relatively unproven but entered the NBA with gobs of athleticism and optimism that he’d develop into a plus-level defender. But after battling a severe allergic reaction, he essentially is getting his rookie season this year and is spending most of it in the G League due to Philly’s success and depth.
Minnesota could pry away the Knicks’ second rounder from Philly, too, especially if Houston gains traction. That would give the Timberwolves some insurance in case Oklahoma City is still in the top 20 (currently 18th according to Tankathon). Since it is top-20 protected, the pick would turn into a pair of future second rounders. Thus, the Timberwolves would at least have the 32nd and 34th picks in their bag ahead of the draft.