The Sixer Sense
Fansided

The case against any big trades

By Luke Swiatek

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 16: Lou Williams #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Boston Celtics in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2012 NBA Playoffs on May 16, 2012 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 2012 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 16: Lou Williams #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Boston Celtics in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2012 NBA Playoffs on May 16, 2012 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 2012 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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There are some decent players that the Philadelphia 76ers could probably acquire for a reasonable price, but I still think they should refrain.

We’re already far past the Dec. 15 date when players signed to contracts in the offseason are eligible to be traded again, and we’re only a month away from the trade deadline. Meaning: we’re right in the sweet spot of when most NBA trades happen.

However, the rumor mill has been largely silent. Perhaps the Golden State Warrior’s dominance has led to other teams not thinking it’s worth it to chase a few extra wins. That’s essentially my viewpoint as well.

Many have linked the Philadelphia 76ers to former guard Lou Williams. The Sixers lack too many players that can create their own shot, and that’s the one thing Lou does at a high level. He could be a great fit on the team, and really give a spark to a lackluster bench unit.

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He probably wouldn’t be too expensive either. The Clippers have reportedly been looking for expiring contracts and a first-round pick in return for Lou Williams. We could probably trade Amir Johnson and our own first-round pick this year (lottery protected) for Lou and Wesley Johnson (to match salary). Not bad, right?

However, if we have to give up any real assets, what’s the point? Bryan Colangelo has steadily depleted the Hinkie stockpile of draft picks. The Okafor trade, the Fultz trade, the Pasecniks trade, the selling of second-round picks: it has been a cumulative effect.

I don’t think we should give up another first so easily, especially for a half-year rental. What’s the real benefit? We get the sixth seed instead of the eighth? Even in the craziest of situations, if LeBron gets hurt and somehow we make the Finals, it’s not like this team has a prayer of beating the Warriors or Rockets in a seven game series.

Not to mention, our team’s weakness of a scoring guard is one that could theoretically be filled by Markelle Fultz. Once he comes back, let’s see what we have. Trading for Lou Williams would just mean fewer minutes and less development for one of the FEDS, which should be the opposite of our goals for this year.

This is a young team that was one of the worst in the league last year. We should shoot for a low playoff seed, give the guys some experience, and once we get knocked out, we should focus on gearing up our roster for next year. Trading a long-term asset for a small short-term boost just seems unreasonable to me.

Next: Breaking down a possible Williams-to-Philly trade

NOTE: If we could get someone decent just by sending away Amir Johnson and some of our second-rounders (AKA an asset that Colangelo would probably just sell off anyway), then I’d be fine with that. That wouldn’t really hurt our future outlook. I just don’t want Bryan to mortgage the future to help the present.