The Sixer Sense
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NBA Rumors Kawhi Leonard discord gives Philadelphia 76ers opportunity

By Bret Stuter

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 8: Robert Covington #33 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket against Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs at the Wells Fargo Center on February 8, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Spurs defeated the 76ers 111-103. 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 8: Robert Covington #33 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket against Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs at the Wells Fargo Center on February 8, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Spurs defeated the 76ers 111-103. 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 15: Bryan Colangelo of the Philadelphia 76ers before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 15, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 15: Bryan Colangelo of the Philadelphia 76ers before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 15, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Not too much, not too little. Just right.

The trick is to offer just enough to entice the Spurs to deal, but not so much as to give away too much. And the San Antonio Spurs love defense as well as offense. For the moment, the Spurs have the 25th and the 55th picks of the 2018 NBA Draft. But the Spurs roster is aging, and the team knows that Mano Ginobili and Pau Gasol are on their last NBA Contracts.  All that considered, the Spurs are not in any “fire sale” mode over Leonard.  He is an outstanding player who brings very high level of offense and defense.  And right now, these Philadelphia 76ers need some help on both sides of the court.

But the team is fighting their own set of injuries. So if the team pushes a healthy player off to the Spurs, the result could be counter-productive. On the flip side, the Spurs need more than a casual package to garner interest. This is a playoff team rumored to be at odds with a standout player. A player already named in outlandish deals.

Deal with it

So to pull this one off, the Philadelphia 76ers must push both players and picks, all the while balancing salary cap issues. The trick is to push the salary impact so that neither team is crushed under the exchange. That shouldn’t be too challenging to do considering the recent flurry of free agent signings by the team.  so here is one scenario:

This trade places the San Antonio Spurs into great standing to reload, while giving the team enough talent to sustain post-season momentum.  On the flip side, the infusion of Kawhi Leonard to the Philadelphia 76ers bolsters the team’s playoff hopes, while infusing more “fit” players into the team scheme.

Next: NBA Rumors Philadelphia 76ers roster needs help now

With a trade deadline rapidly approaching, you can bet Bryan Colangelo, the man who “loves the deal” is trying to find one right now.  With a potential opportunity to land wing player Kawhi Leonard, the Sixers need to act fast. You can bet the Celtics are on the phones now as we speak.