The Philadelphia 76ers are looking to reshape their entire roster ahead of the 2022 NBA Draft, seemingly making everyone but Joel Embiid and James Harden available for trade this summer.
Good for the Philadelphia 76ers admitting they are not winning an NBA Finals with they way their roster is currently constructed.
With the 2022 NBA Draft less than a week away, the 76ers are seeing if there is a trade market for seemingly everyone on their team not named Joel Embiid or James Harden. While emerging star Tyrese Maxey seems safe too, pretty much everybody else from last year’s core could be on the trading block this offseason. Expect for Daryl Morey to be wheeling and dealing in short order.
According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, “the team is gauging teams’ interest in Tobias Harris, Matisse Thybulle, Furkan Korkmaz, and Shake Milton, in addition to potential trade partners for Danny Green and the No. 23 pick.”
Keep in mind that Philadelphia plays in an Atlantic Division that saw four teams make the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals, including the rival Boston Celtics who just lost in the NBA Finals to the Golden State Warriors in six games.
NBA trade rumors: Philadelphia 76ers may make much of core available for trade
While the 76ers have several valuable trade assets, it is hard to see them winning multiple playoff series in a row with Embiid and Harden as their two best players. Embiid may have overcome his injury-plagued reputation from earlier in his career, but it is still in the back of everyone’s mind. As far as Harden is concerned, he has declined precipitously since bailing on the Houston Rockets.
What is important is Maxey is an ascending player. If he can be what Morey and the rest of the Philadelphia brass thinks he can be, then the 76ers may have a real chance at being something special. Of course, this would require him leapfrogging Harden and becoming the team’s second best player behind only Embiid. That big three of Embiid, Maxey and Harden can win a league title.
However, Harris’ contract could be challenging to move. Thybulle’s trade value has plummeted on account of him not being vaccinated. Korkmaz and Milton could move the needle for someone, but neither are going to merit the return Morey and company could be looking for to really shake things up. Ultimately, the 76ers can get better by making a few trades here, but not all that much.
While it is too early give up on the Embiid and Harden pairing, it feels closer to its definite ceiling.