Will Daryl Morey Be Star Hunting at the Trade Deadline?
Daryl Morey treats the NBA as a high-stakes fantasy football league.
Over the course of 13 years in Houston, he made 77 trades, including the deal that netted the Rockets James Harden.
If there is even the slightest inclination that a player is available, expect Morey to pick up the phone and call around. Four months and two trades into his tenure with the Sixers, it appears he may be working on another big deal.
Per The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, the Sixers seek to make a big trade before the March 25th trade deadline.
A big splash on the trade market would require the Sixers to strip their cupboard of assets, but given how fast championship windows can close, a major deal may be necessary.
Photo: Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers are going to go as far as Joel Embiid can take them. With him playing at an MVP level, like the Sixers, you need to do everything you can to maximize his title window. Personally, I do not think trading Ben Simmons or Tobias Harris accomplishes that. With that in mind, a Bradley Beal deal is probably off the table. That leaves Kyle Lowry and Zach LaVine as the two potential star targets.
A homecoming for Kyle Lowry would bring the Sixers a veteran presence to the PG position. Given the drop-off when Ben Simmons is resting, Lowry would provide immense value at a position of need. His contract is up there, but if the Sixers strike out on LaVine, he would be a fantastic deadline pickup and would help solidify the playoff rotation.
Zach LaVine will be the golden prize for the Sixers at the deadline. Getting him without trading Tobias Harris would give the Sixers a terrifying starting five of Simmons, Curry, LaVine, Harris, and Embiid. LaVine is a walking bucket, and his play alongside an elite facilitator in Simmons would take off.
When it comes to the compensation side, if you are a Tyrese Maxey fan, I suggest you stop reading. Maxey is our most valuable asset and will be included in any deal if it nets us, LaVine, or Lowry. Depending on the number of first-round picks Morey is willing to give up, Shake Milton may be on his way out as well. Danny Green will likely be included in any potential deals to offset the cap.
At the end of the day, Daryl Morey has one job in Philadelphia. Winning a championship. It may require some uncomfortable moves, but it brings the Larry O’Brien back to Philly, it will be worth it.
This Sixers team is good, but a trade that nets them another star while keeping the core roster intact would make them elite.
If the right deal comes across Morey’s desk, I expect him to pull the trigger.
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