NBA Trades: 5 splashy deals the Sixers can make to land a third star

By Cal Durrett | Nov 13, 2023

Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks with Tyrese Maxey #0 against the Boston Celtics during the third quarter in game six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2023 NBA Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center on May 11, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

1 of 5

As the 2023–24 season approached, the Philadelphia 76ers were all but written off because of James Harden’s trade request. Many expected trade negotiations to last up to the trade deadline, with Harden being a daily distraction to their team. However, the Sixers opted to trade him to the LA Clippers before he was forced to play a game with the team.

That trade netted the 76ers Nic Batum, Robert Covington, Marcus Morris, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks. Although it probably wasn’t the return that 76ers fans were hoping for, the assets received by Philadelphia could be used in a deal to acquire a star.

Thanks to a stellar 7-1 start, they will have time to figure out their next move, but it will undoubtedly be a swing for the fences trade. After all, few expected them to have the second-best record in the NBA and with Joel Embiid’s continued dominance and the emergence of Tyrese Maxey as a bona fide star, they can’t afford to play it safe. Next, we’ll look at five realistic Sixers trades they can make using the assets received in the Harden deal to bolster their roster.

Home/NBA News