The 76ers could make three transfers before the NBA exchange deadline, which does not include Ben Simmons

The biggest question in the NBA before the February 10 trading deadline is if Philadelphia 76ers intend to (finally) move the dissatisfied All-Star forward Ben Simmons, or if the difference between Simmons and the Sixers continues into the offseason. Simmons have not played a single game in Philadelphia this season since he had requested a substitution over the summer, but the Sixers want to make sure they get a good return every time they finally pass the former general selection.

Despite the fact that many fans in Philadelphia would have liked to see Simmons already trade, Daryl Morey, director of basketball operations at Sixers, has made it clear that he intends to take a patient approach to the process. In October, he warned that finding Simmons ‘new NBA home could take “four years” (for the remainder of Simmons’ current contract).

At the time, many assumed that this was arrogance and that Sixers would eventually be forced to take the best offer available before the deadline. During a recent radio appearance Morey pumped the brakes to such speculation, stating that the conclusion of the contract in the following weeks was “less likely than likely”, although he pointed out that if Simmons remained on the list after the deadline, it would not be due to a lack of effort. end of organization. Everything the director says publicly needs to be taken with salt, but there certainly seems to be at least a chance that the triple All-Star series won’t be carried over by February 10th.

Simmons ’move is Philadelphia’s clearest way to improve the list around the MVP candidate Joel Embiid, it is not the only way. Here’s an overview of three trades that don’t include Simmons and that the Sixers could make an immediate improvement in front of the deadline.

76ers receive: CJ McCollum

Blazers get: Tobias Harris, 2022 draft selection (first round)

It definitely looks like a duo Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum has completed a course in Portland. Roster needs a change, and since the organization and Lillard seem to be tied to the hip (at least in public), it’s likely McCollum will eventually be transferred. In this situation, Blazers would make Harris a solid edge player to play Lillard and alongside Norman Powell, and they also get the first round of contract selection.

In Philadelphia, McCollum offered the Sixers a backfielder who could constantly create their own attack – what they desperately need. He’s the type you can give the ball to late in the game or when the shot clock is low, and he can make something happen. In addition, he would probably fit better alongside Embbi than Harris. This deal would leave the Sixers as a thin power striker, but this problem could be addressed separately. For Philadelphia, this deal would basically mean replacing the Harris deal with McCollum, as both expire in 2024. It seems like it would probably be a worthwhile compromise.

76ers can: Eric Gordon

The rockets receive: Danny Green, Furkan Korkmaz, 2023 draft selection (second round)

The Rockets are in the middle of rebuilding, so Gordon doesn’t really fit their timeline forward. With that deal, the Rockets would get rid of Gordon’s deal (Green’s deal is not guaranteed for next season), a solid young shooter at Korkmaz with a team-friendly deal until 2024 and a second-round choice to add to theirs. war ark.

At Gordon, the Sixers would get a legitimate floor space and offensive option, albeit one that is probably superior. Nevertheless, Gordon still averages 14.8 points per game this season and shoots a long 45 percent – second place in the NBA as a whole. PJ Tucker. The Sixers can always use extra shots and goals in Embiid, and Gordon would take care of that.

76ers can: Goran Dragic, Yuta Watanabe

Raptors receive: Danny Green, Furkan Korkmaz, Georges Niang, 2023 draft selection (second round)

Dragic is completely out of tour in Toronto, so a deal seems inevitable. In this scenario, the Raptors would get back Danny Green, who won the championship with the team in 2019 and whose contract is not guaranteed for next season, as well as two usable spacers at Korkmaz and Niang, and a second-round draft. to Choose from Philadelphia | Not a bad return for a player who does not participate at all. Watanabe should be included for wages to work.

The Sixers have long needed a veteran points guard who can create their own attack if needed, and Dragic would provide it. He sees himself as a solid addition to Embiid and a reliable backup behind his second-year guard Tyrese Maxey. He and Maxey could sometimes even play together. And hey, if it doesn’t work for Philadelphia, the deal won’t cause long-term damage because Dragic has been placed in an unrestricted free agency after the season.