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Philadelphia 76ers: Pass or pursue on 5 NBA trade deadline rumors

By Josh Cornelissen

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 29: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors waves to his family during a game against the Sacramento Kings at Amalie Arena on January 29, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) 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.
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 29: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors waves to his family during a game against the Sacramento Kings at Amalie Arena on January 29, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) 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. /
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Austin Rivers, New York Knicks
Philadelphia 76ers, NBA trade deadline Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images /

Pass or pursue: Austin Rivers, SG, New York Knicks

The Philadelphia 76ers could swing for the fences with a trade, but they are more likely to make a modest move. One option would be to flip a player or two outside of the rotation for someone cheaper and more likely to see postseason minutes.

Austin Rivers accomplishes both goals at the same time. He is under contract for this year and two more for $9.9 million, making around $3.5 million this season. A proven playoff contributor, Rivers could be a low usage option to space the floor (36.4 percent from 3 this season) and play defense.

The reason Rivers could be the pick over other options is the obvious familial connection. Austin’s father Doc Rivers is the coach of the 76ers and has overseen his son previously with the LA Clippers. If Rivers lobbies President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey to bring his son in, he would help the team save money and improve its rotation at the same time, likely at the cost of a second-round pick.

Verdict: Pursue

Pass or Pursue: Delon Wright, PG, Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons are 11-29, last in the Eastern Conference; only the Minnesota Timberwolves have fewer wins leaguewide. They drafted a point guard, Killian Hayes, seventh overall in the 2020 NBA Draft. Both of these facts point to a willingness to engage in trade conversations with their current starting point guard, Delon Wright.

The 6’5″ Wright can fill up the box score, using his ball-handling and size to make his way inside the arc and either score or hit teammates for shots. He is averaging 13.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.2 assists per-36 minutes. His size would make him a good complement to Seth Curry in the backcourt, replacing Danny Green in the starting lineup with another ball handler.

The question is whether Wright’s defensive and ball-handling contributions would offset other concerns. Wright is not a sniper off-ball, and might not be Rivers’ candidate to close games due to spacing concerns. He also makes $9 million, a relative bargain but enough that the 76ers would need to move a rotation player to bring him in.

Add in the requisite draft cost, probably a first-rounder or a young prospect, and it may be worth it for the 76ers to pursue another option.

Verdict: Pass