Sixers now perfect landing spot for All-NBA scorer

This All-NBA scorer could be traded this season, with the Philadelphia 76ers mentioned as a likely destination.

As the season nears its midpoint, the Philadelphia 76ers have quickly established themselves as one of the teams to beat for the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Joel Embiid has outdone himself thus far, commanding the MVP race and guaranteeing that the 76ers remain relevant in the title hunt beyond this season.

When healthy, Philly has demonstrated constant two-way zest, surprising those who expected a significant drop-off from the squad. Embiid and Tyrese Maxey have breathed new life into the franchise, but their superb supporting cast of battle-tested veterans has provided them with more than enough ammunition to be confident in their title prospects come playoff time.

The 76ers are a potential landing spot for DeMar DeRozan should he hit the trading block

Considering the fluctuating nature of championship windows, maintaining their momentum becomes increasingly challenging. Given the current level of parity in the NBA, the 76ers should seize the opportunity to bolster their roster this season if the chance arises to acquire talent at a reasonable cost.

One situation worth monitoring is the future of DeMar DeRozan with the Chicago Bulls. While the Bulls have shown improvement recently after a slow start, they are not widely considered contenders for making significant noise in the playoffs. Therefore, it would be prudent for their front office to explore the possibility of trading DeRozan before the deadline.

 

 

At 34 years old, DeRozan may eventually see a decline in his performance. Although he is experiencing his least efficient season since his time in Toronto, he remains a skilled scorer and playmaker, showcasing an expanded offensive skill set since his tenure with the San Antonio Spurs. Additionally, with his contract set to expire, he could serve as a valuable short-term asset for a team in need.

Considering the assets at their disposal, the 76ers could benefit from acquiring DeRozan as a rental player late in the season. Philadelphia, as suggested by Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, could be an ideal destination for DeRozan due to their offensive versatility. While the team has demonstrated offensive prowess this season, their scoring beyond Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey has been inconsistent, lacking a clear hierarchy. DeRozan’s ability to create scoring opportunities and facilitate play could address this issue.

Furthermore, DeRozan’s offensive contributions, coupled with his respectable defense when engaged, would provide valuable support to the team’s bench units, which currently rank as the league’s lowest-scoring second unit. While DeRozan’s three-point shooting may not be elite, his overall offensive skill set and willingness to contribute make him an attractive option for the 76ers.

The potential asking price for DeRozan remains uncertain, but if the opportunity arises at a reasonable cost, the Philadelphia 76ers should not hesitate to pursue a trade for the three-time All-NBA scorer.