NBA Rumors: Philadelphia 76ers linked to Cleveland Cavaliers

Here we go, more NBA Rumors linking an NBA team to the Philadelphia 76ers. This time its the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Once more, I’m counting on you to judge the merits. Since “at least” 15 NBA teams are rumored to be in talks with the Philadelphia 76ers, I’m simply putting the teams who are or have been linked to the Sixers.

The Philadelphia 76ers were linked to the Cleveland Cavaliers after the 2016 trade deadline. Now that rumor is back in play. To this end, Gary Brinson of Amico Hoops suggested that star point guard Kyrie Irving could be on the move, and if the Sixers offer Nerlens Noel or Jahlil Okafor and one or two first round picks, the Cavaliers would consider the offer seriously.

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This is an older rumor that has seen some kicking around, first introduced by Gary Brinson of Amico Hoops back in March 27, 2016. But the scenario bears some consideration.

The Cavaliers are hard pressed at payroll, and their analysts have been pointing out in casual talk that their pieces are just that – pieces. The Cavaliers already have sufficient star power to attract free agents, but they have nothing in the pipeline and they need more flexibility. While they battle in the 2016 NBA Championship, they have difficulty with the Golden State Warriors. That could lead to some off-season tweaking.

The Philadelphia 76ers are sitting on flexibility, but have no star power and no way to attract free agents this year. They do have something the Cleveland Cavaliers do not have. 2016 NBA draft picks. In fact, the team has more draft picks than president Bryan Colangelo is comfortable with using in this NBA draft.

A conundrum.

The scenario offered by Brinson is absolutely speculative. The key pieces are simple. The Cleveland Cavaliers receive Nerlens Noel or Jahlil Okafor and one or both of the late first round picks of the 2016 NBA draft. That would give the Cavaliers a starting center and first round picks for draft selections to add to their roster and develop around their stars.

"“Irving’s name has continually popped in and out of rumors. From being traded to being angry, they’re their. And they are just that. Rumors. Sometimes meaningful, sometimes just nonsense. But it’s fun to play with them, so that’s what we’re doing.Irving would bring a superstar-appeal immediately back to the city. He’s a tremendous talent who has shown flashes of greatness, but has also dealt with fitting into his role with the Cavaliers and has dealt with several injuries including a major knee-fracture surgery during the 2015 NBA finals. Regardless he’s a former number one overall pick (2011), still only 24, and is an elite shooter and playmaker.” – per Gary Brison of AmicoHoops"

The Philadelphia 76ers would get Kyrie Irving. He’s a point guard with huge upside, is just 24, and has five years of experience in the NBA. He has a good perimeter shot, shoots 45.2% from the floor, and would be a great piece to add to the team on track to select Ben Simmons.

The Cavaliers will be losing Timofey Mozgov to free agency this off season. By trading Irving, the team could focus their assets on building around LeBron James, Kevin Love, and J.R. Smith and replace Mozgov with a younger and talented player. The salary of Irving is a huge pill to swallow, over $17 Million, but the Philadelphia 76ers have an ocean of salary dollars for some NBA talent.

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The Philadelphia 76ers, eager to come out of the gate with some wins, would be well positioned to do just that.