Sixers to complete blockbuster trade before deadline including four-time All-Star

The Philadelphia 76ers are under significant pressure, with Joel Embiid, the reigning MVP, performing at his best. Despite Embiid’s excellence, the team has not progressed beyond the second round of the playoffs. Despite overcoming the James Harden drama and staying competitive, the Sixers must now leverage their assets to enhance their roster prior to the trade deadline on February 8.

The Sixers have various options to consider. While they could create maximum salary cap space in the offseason, doing so would require maintaining the status quo at the deadline. Currently ranking third in the Eastern Conference, Philadelphia lags behind Boston and Milwaukee. With three first-round picks available for trade, the Sixers shouldn’t squander a prime year of Embiid’s career.

Given the availability of multiple star players before February 8 and the flexibility of several tradable contracts, the Sixers have the opportunity to explore six impactful trades before the trade deadline expires.

5. 76ers narrowly avoid all-in to land Pascal Siakam

Siakam is actively available for trade. The two-time All-Star is currently on an expiring contract, and the Raptors have already traded OG Anunoby. Despite various rumors, including reports by Marc Stein suggesting that the 76ers were not likely to pursue the 6’8 forward, it’s important to approach such information with caution during this time of year. Daryl Morey, known for pursuing top-tier talent, might be interested in Siakam, who is expected to be among the best available players. However, Siakam’s willingness to re-sign with the 76ers in the offseason is a crucial factor that the team should assess before making any trade. The expiring nature of his contract could limit Philadelphia from going all-in.

Although acquiring Siakam comes at a significant cost, the Raptors are in need of a big man due to Jakob Poeltl’s injury, prompting them to take a chance on Paul Reed, who has demonstrated promise behind Joel Embiid. In return, Toronto receives two first-round picks, with Philadelphia retaining one for potential future roster upgrades.

If the 76ers opt not to pursue Pascal Siakam, they still have several other star options available for trade before the February 8 deadline. However, these alternatives would likely require a full-fledged commitment from the team.

4. Sixers go all-in as Hawks sell-off

Things haven’t gone according to plan in Atlanta, leading the Hawks to contemplate selling before the deadline. While Dejounte Murray is a prominent name in trade rumors, he’s not the only player the team may move. De’Andre Hunter, Clint Capela, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Saddiq Bey are all potential candidates for trade before Feb. 8.

For Philadelphia, which is in search of multiple pieces, Atlanta could serve as an ideal trade partner. Despite having a solid foundation in Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Tobias Harris, the Sixers require additional top-tier talent to compete with Boston and Milwaukee. Acquiring Murray and Bogdanovic in this potential deal could elevate the 76ers to genuine title contenders.

The addition of Murray and Bogdanovic would instantly fortify Philadelphia’s starting five and provide an elite sixth man. The playoff rotation would further benefit from having De’Anthony Melton or Nicolas Batum and Kelly Oubre Jr. Coach Nick Nurse could rely heavily on his key players while having the depth to outmatch any opponent.

Considering that the Hawks invested four first-round picks to acquire Dejounte Murray, selling low in a potential trade is a concern. While the 76ers offer three first-rounders, Atlanta is likely to seek more, making the negotiation process challenging.

In the event that a workable trade with the Hawks proves elusive for the Philadelphia 76ers, they may explore alternative options by targeting an available forward on a team in the midst of a rebuilding phase.

3. 76ers offer max for Lauri Markkanen

 

Markkanen is proving his All-Star season was no fluke as he averages 23.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 0.9 steals in 32.6 minutes per game.

The seven-footer is in his prime and fills one of the Sixers’ biggest holes. Philadelphia sits 21st in 3-pointers made this season and 22nd in threes attempted. Markkanen has made 38.6 percent from long range this season on more than eight attempts per game. He spaces the floor and is comfortable firing away.

Jazz president Danny Ainge will want a king’s ransom for Markkanen. Acquiring a prime All-Star is never cheap, but are three first-round picks enough? Ainge got more for Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, but this is likely the maximum draft capital the Jazz can expect for Markkanen.