Joel Embiid’s injury looms large over the Philadelphia 76ers’ future. Although they may scrape through and secure a playoff spot with their current roster, the absence of the reigning MVP makes it doubtful that anyone outside of Philly would confidently bet on their championship chances this season.
Nevertheless, with the trade deadline looming, the 76ers have their work cut out for them. The fallout from Embiid’s injury could completely reshape their strategy. However, there’s a glimmer of hope in reports suggesting that Embiid might still contribute in some capacity this season. This gives the front office something to cling to as they navigate the challenge of competing without their star player for the time being.
The 76ers are reported to still be aggressive buyers before the trade deadline
In the meantime, Philadelphia appears determined to salvage its season. Despite uncertainty surrounding Embiid’s potential return, there’s a strong sentiment that the 76ers remain committed to their trade market strategy, actively seeking marginal upgrades.
Even if Embiid’s situation worsens, the 76ers have accumulated too many victories to simply write off this season. With rising star Tyrese Maxey ready to step up, there’s potential for the team to pursue a playoff push, provided their financial flexibility remains intact.
With that in mind, let’s turn our attention to two feasible trade targets the 76ers could pursue before the deadline in this intriguing proposal.
76ers trade for six-time All-Star and prized veteran in this wild proposal
In a trade scenario proposed by Bleacher Report, the Philadelphia 76ers undergo a significant shakeup by acquiring DeMar DeRozan, a six-time All-Star, and Alex Caruso, a guard recognized for his All-Defensive First Team honors, from the Chicago Bulls. In exchange, they would send forwards Marcus Morris Sr., Robert Covington, and KJ Martin, guards Jaden Springer and Furkan Korkmaz, along with two future first-round picks in 2026 (the least favorable among OKC, HOU, or LAC) and 2029 (via LAC).
Despite hovering around the play-in tournament contention, the Bulls have a subpar record and are anticipated to be active buyers in the trade market. The season-ending injury to Zach LaVine has reduced their assets for flipping, but they still possess several players they could trade to kickstart a much-needed rebuild.
DeRozan and Caruso are currently viewed as their most valuable trade assets. While DeRozan hasn’t performed at an All-Star level this season, he significantly enhances team performance and offers offensive versatility. On the other hand, Caruso is considered an attractive acquisition due to his low cost, All-NBA defensive skills, and long-term commitment.
Would this trade theoretically benefit the 76ers in both the short and long term? Let’s assess the advantages and disadvantages of this proposal.
Why the 76ers should go all-in for DeRozan and Caruso
The possibility of Joel Embiid making a return this season is not out of reach, at least for now. According to recent reports, Embiid and his team are still considering the option of resting and undergoing rehabilitation rather than opting for surgery, which could potentially keep him sidelined for an extended period, although this stance might be somewhat optimistic given the circumstances.
If Embiid remains in contention to play this season, the Philadelphia 76ers have a strong incentive to go all-in. They are not seeking players who would eat into their salary cap space but are interested in acquiring upgrades without causing financial strain. DeRozan and Caruso perfectly fit this criteria.
While DeRozan has shown some decline from his initial seasons with the Bulls, he remains a formidable scorer with versatile skills. His three-point shooting has improved, his mid-range game is still highly effective, he’s become a dependable playmaker in half-court sets, and his defense, when focused, is adequate. Even as a short-term acquisition, he would provide the 76ers with a valuable scoring option who can adapt to various roles as needed, with the added benefit of his extensive playoff experience.
On the other hand, Caruso would immediately bolster the 76ers’ defense, which is expected to suffer in Embiid’s absence. While he may not excel as a rim protector, his defensive presence is notable—he disrupts passing lanes, excels in one-on-one matchups, can guard multiple positions effectively, and has the leadership qualities to anchor the defense, a rare trait for a player of his size. Unlike DeRozan, Caruso is not a short-term rental and his affordable contract would be easy to integrate into the team’s financial structure.
Why the 76ers shouldn’t trade for DeRozan and Caruso
Acquiring DeRozan and Caruso as potential rotational upgrades presents an enticing opportunity—a midseason move that often elevates a team’s standing, especially when considering the postseason outlook.
However, the reality check arrives. While the 76ers haven’t definitively ruled out Embiid’s return this season, rushing him back would likely be ill-advised. If he requires extensive time for recovery, patience should be prioritized. Embiid’s importance warrants a cautious approach.
Trading two first-round picks for players who wouldn’t significantly enhance the 76ers’ competitiveness without Embiid is imprudent, if not outright negligent. The team already has a clear path for significant upgrades in the offseason, and expediting this process would contradict the careful groundwork laid for a potentially impactful summer.
Embiid’s injury should prompt Philadelphia to adopt a more conservative and patient approach. Even without him, the 76ers possess enough talent to make an impact in the playoffs, regardless of their seeding. If upgrades are desired, they should be pursued without sacrificing valuable draft assets that could be leveraged for future acquisitions.
In summary, this proposed trade reflects an overly optimistic outlook and suggests a short-sighted approach that disregards a clearer opportunity for improvement, which is evident just a few months down the road.
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