The Philadelphia 76ers are rumored to be looking into making a move at the deadline for Jeff Teague or Dennis Schroder.
The Philadelphia 76ers, although seemingly adamant that no moves will be made at the deadline, are rumored to be looking into a few of the Atlanta Hawks guards Jeff Teague and Dennis Schroder. Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Keith Pompey broke the story that the Sixers inquired with the Hawks about Atlanta’s desire to move either of the two guards. Atlanta reportedly has thought about moving Teague for George Hill from the Pacers, but this trade has hometown implications for Teague. There’s not much of a desire or reason for him to come to Philly.
Despite the fact that the Sixers have inquired about the two guards, it does not mean that a deal will occur, and as of the report which was published on Wednesday afternoon, the Sixers did not make any offers for either of the two guards. According to Pompey, and general common sense, the Hawks would not be willing to give up either of the decent guards without receiving some serious worth in return, and the only tangible worth the Sixers can offer is in Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel. According to Pompey’s report, the Sixers would rather not move either of those big men until they know where Joel Embiid‘s future stands.
The Hawks may be interested in draft picks, but I don’t think the Sixers would be smart to give up any of their possible 4 draft picks that they could have for this upcoming draft that features Ben Simmons, Brandon Ingram, and Kris Dunn. Some have called this upcoming draft class weak, but it seems as if every week there’s a new college star for us to keep an eye on. Lately it’s been Buddy Hield.
According to multiple NBA executives and league sources, the Sixers are not expected to make a move here before the deadline, but it’s interesting that the team is inquiring about guards around the league. Ish Smith will do for now, but he’s certainly not the point guard of the future for the team, and the Sixers have to find a solid shooting guard in order to have a competitive roster within the next few years. This season, it would be tough to work Teague in with Ish Smith and T.J. McConnell, but Schroder could replace Isaiah Canaan as the starter and get solid minutes right away.
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To me, Teague could be a point guard that is good for years to come as a starter, and Schroder could play well in either position. This season, Teague is averaging 15.1 points and 6.9 assists per game, while Schroder is averaging 10.7 points and 4.5 assists.
Like I said, right now, Schroder would fit in with the team best right away. Not only is his position not already permanently filled with a solid starter, but he fits the future mold of the team with a young career, as he’s currently in just his third season. Teague is a bit older, in his seventh season.
I’m still confident in saying that Jerry Colangelo is in control of the show at the deadline, and his tendency has been not to pursue any trades, and build with free agency during the offseason. It’s interesting that the Sixers are inquiring about guards, but it doesn’t mean much, and the fact that the Sixers didn’t even make an offer to Atlanta says even more about how this is not a move that will actually come into fruition.