NBA TRADE DEADLINE 23 FEB 2017
III. NBA Trade Deadline – February 23, 2017 – Do you feel it? The subtle slipping of leverage into the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers? You see, the team is sitting on a powder keg of front court talent.
Plenty of teams have “inquired” so far, whether about the cost of either Nerlens Noel or Jahlil Okafor. Ultimately, some team hovering in the .500 range will panic at the thought of post-season slipping away, and will pull the trigger to shore up their center position – whether offensively or defensively.
And that suits the Philadelphia 76ers just fine.
The Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trailblazers, Indiana Pacers, Detroit Pistons, and even the Boston Celtics should all place the Philadelphia 76ers on speed dial. Other teams should as well.
What is the cost of our player? Well, the Philadelphia 76ers would be wise to expect a draft pick at or better than the slot of the player surrendered. If the exchange involves players, the prospects should be expected to compete as a starter for the 76ers next season.
Ultimately, the 76ers should expect a combination of player(s) and pick(s). Teams seeking help to get over the hump will likely not hold title to lottery picks, and will need to spice up the trade with additional assets. More picks or a player or players would do the trick.
If the 76ers exchange a player for picks only, that would open up the roster to begin to bring in D-League players on ten-day contracts.
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In the end, the 76ers have tremendous upside going forward. On one hand, the team is trending on the vastly improved side and getting better as players arrive healthy. On the other hand, the 76ers have plenty of opportunities to improve the depth and quality of this roster going forward. Sweet November.