Mike Muscala has become a valuable rotation piece for the Sixers, spending time at both the four and five. He probably deserves more minutes, with Amir Johnson‘s struggles rendering him ineffective on both ends.
Standing 6-foot-11 and spacing the floor at a high level, Moose fits the second unit nicely — spacing the floor, running in transition and allowing the Sixers to play small without actually going small.
With that said, Markieff Morris is the superior player. Muscala is a career 37.4 percent three-point shooter — compared to 33.8 for Morris — but he lacks the same dynamism on offense. Morris is also a more versatile defensive body at the four, and is big enough to operate as a small-ball five.
Morris can score at all three levels, boasting a decent spot-up jumper and the ability to create off the dribble. He can take advantage of mismatches, whether it be posting up smaller players or working himself into a mid-range shot. He’d get valuable minutes in the Sixers’ rotation.
Despite his fit, it’s tough to envision a clean trade for Morris. The salary is hard to match and Muscala still provides significant value with his shooting. One might question whether or not this trade is worth the talent upgrade, although Morris might prove more useful in the playoffs.
Morris is also a Philly native.