Should the Sixers pursue Tyreke Evans?

By Christopher Kline | Jan 9, 2018

PHOENIX, AZ -DECEMBER 26: Tyreke Evans #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots a free throw against the Phoenix Suns on December 26, 2017 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) /

With the trade deadline approaching, should the Philadelphia 76ers take Tyreke Evans’ expiring contract into consideration?

The trade deadline is on Feb. 8, leaving less than a month for the Philadelphia 76ers to make a move. They’re currently standing at 19-19, on the edge of playoff contention in the Eastern Conference.

We’ve already looked into the plausibility of trading for Lou Williams, who’s starting to catch fire with the Clippers. We also know the Sixers have some serious room for improvement, even with their recent success.

One name that has worked his way onto the radar is Tyreke Evans. The former Rookie of the Year has found extended success with the Grizzlies this season, something that few expected given his history with injuries. Despite starting in just half of their games, he’s averaging 19.7 points and 4.7 assists per game. That’s his highest scoring mark since his rookie year.

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On top of that, Evans is on an expiring contract. That means the 28-year-old brings no long-term commitment, which could be valuable to a Sixers team that’s looking to preserve cap space for future signings.

According to reports, the Grizzlies — who are rapidly approaching a full-blown rebuild — are asking for a first round pick in exchange for Evans. He’s helping them win games, which is no longer their top priority.

That doesn’t necessarily mean teams will give them a first rounder, but that’s where the bar has been set. Is that something the Sixers’ front office should pull the trigger on?

Evans has obviously struggled with health in the past, but the talent is there. He’s a capable shot-maker who’s shooting a career-high 41.6 percent from deep this season. Add in his playmaking chops on the wing, and he fills the most glaring hole in the Sixers’ depth chart.

It also comes down to how much the Sixers can actually give up. Memphis isn’t going to take on a contract like Jerryd Bayless in return, while the short-term nature of Evans’ contract makes giving up a first round pick difficult.

The best way to work around that is a protected pick. Maybe placing a top-20 protection on their own first rounder is enough for Memphis. That allows the Sixers to keep any valuable first round picks over the next few seasons while the Grizzlies guarantee themselves at least a couple of second rounders, something the Sixers can afford to lose.

On that note, the Sixers can also throw a handful of second rounders at Memphis if the Griz don’t receive any first round offers. Philadelphia has an insane amount of second round picks over the next few seasons, so shedding some of those for a player that can help them make the playoffs isn’t unreasonable.

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Right now, it doesn’t feel like the Sixers are on the cusp of making a move for somebody like Evans. But, if the price is right, he makes too much sense not to look into.