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Philadelphia 76ers Can Be Third Team in Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks in Paul Millsap Trade

By Lucas Johnson

Nov 12, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Taurean Prince (12) attempts a shot during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 117-96. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Taurean Prince (12) attempts a shot during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 117-96. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA trade rumors are starting to pick up and the Philadelphia 76ers could end up being in a three team trade that could send Paul Millsap to the Boston Celtics from the Atlanta Hawks.

As most NBA fans have heard by now, All-Star power forward Paul Millsap of the Atlanta Hawks is available for trade. Actually, most veterans on that roster are available, but Millsap is the big fish that everyone wants.

Now, the Philadelphia 76ers do not need an 31-year-old All-Star, but they could benefit from another team acquiring Millsap’s services. A three-team trade with Boston Celtics would be the most beneficial for all three teams.

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For starters, let it be known that I am not trying to start any NBA trade rumors with this article. This is purely just seeing an opportunity for the Sixers to solve several problems at once. A fellow FanSided writer, Liam O’Brien, wrote an article explaining how Millsap could solve a lot of the Celtics problems. That’s good for a conference rival, but how does this trade help the Sixers? First the logistics of the trade must be explained before fans can see the benefits.

Trade Machine Green

The following trade scenario has been processed in ESPN Trade Machine and there was no salary cap issues with the transaction. In the proposed trade, Millsap goes to Boston. The Hawks would get Celtics power forward Amir Johnson and his expiring contract, along with Sixers center Nerlens Noel. Philadelphia would receive guards Marcus Smart and James Young. Sadly, draft picks aren’t included in ESPN Trade Machine, but Atlanta would receive two second round picks from Boston. The Sixers would probably get a protected first round pick from Boston.

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With that being said, both the Hawks and Sixers are receiving fair compensation from this trade. The Hawks get two second round picks and essentially their center of the future in Noel. Yes, Dwight Howard will have to be traded eventually, but that is an issue for another day, if this trade were to happen.

The Payoff

The Sixers would receive two guards full of potential and would fit nicely with Ben Simmons and in head coach Brett Brown’s system. Young may finally be able to develop with actually NBA playing time as well if he comes to the Sixers. On top of that, getting another first round pick is great regardless even if it is a protected pick. Sending Noel out to Atlanta will also ease the big man issue in Philadelphia.

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NBA trade rumors are tricky and most fans hope that almost all of them happen. Regardless, if this trade happens or not, do not be surprised if all three teams mentioned are extremely active at the NBA trade deadline.