Following another bitter postseason exit in the second round of the NBA Playoffs, the Philadelphia 76ers will face an important offseason with eyes set on building a championship roster around superstar Joel Embiid. Injuries were a factor in Philly’s playoff disappointment, but it still seems like the Sixers are a few pieces away from reaching the ultimate goal.
While the organization attempts to reconstruct the supporting cast this summer, the trade market should be the main topic of conversation surrounding the front office given the future assets that aren’t necessarily needed and the lack of cap space to pursue high-end free agents as a luxury tax team.
The Sixers are reportedly open to dealing promising defensive specialist Matisse Thybulle and have other assets such as young prospects and the 23rd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft among other picks to dangle in trade talks.
As the Philadelphia 76ers enter an essential offseason, we examine three potential trade scenarios revolving around the 23rd pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Based on Philadelphia’s urgency to compete for a title, using the 23rd pick to acquire a more experienced upgrade to the rotation seems most likely heading into the draft. Let’s dive into three potential trade scenarios involving their first-round pick this year.
NBA Trades: 3 trades for the Philadelphia 76ers with the 23rd pick: Indiana Pacers
In this possible trade framework, the Philadelphia 76ers would acquire an experienced sharpshooting guard to bolster its much-needed shooting corps. Hield would be an ideal fit alongside Embiid, James Harden, and Tyrese Maxey as an efficient asset that can space the floor and heat up offensively.
The Indiana Pacers are in the midst of a slim rebuild as they’re reportedly open to offloading veterans on the current roster in exchange for younger talent that fits their long-term timeline. Trading Hield for a first-round pick would certainly interest the Pacers as it would open up more playing time for other investments and return another intriguing prospect to add to its young core.
Indiana would also benefit from receiving Shake Milton and Furkan Korkmaz in the deal for salary matching purposes, and they could both have chances to earn a rotation spot. Veteran wing Danny Green’s $10.0 million expiring contract (non-guaranteed) would be included as a salary filler and the Sixers shouldn’t mind parting ways with him since he’s coming off a torn ACL and won’t be healthy until at least next season’s All-Star break.
This potential deal would benefit both organizations in terms of their respective directions and team values. A trade centered around Buddy Hield and the 23rd pick should be a realistic scenario for the Philadelphia 76ers and Indiana Pacers on draft night.