The Philadelphia 76ers don’t need to make any major trades before the NBA Trade Deadline, there are some small deals they could pursue instead.
The Philadelphia 76ers made two very big trades last season, but big isn’t always better. This season, the Sixers don’t need to make a huge move. Instead they could look to improve the bench that has proven to be weak at times. There are three minor deals that they could look to execute before the NBA Trade Deadline.
Target: Combo forward
Out of the three hypothetical trades being reviewed in this article, this one is banking more on potential than anything else. No, it doesn’t involve a young player, but rather a veteran that needs a change in venue. Below is the hypothetical deal.
DeMarre Carroll is starting to get past his prime, but it doesn’t make much sense that he’s had such limited opportunities with the San Antonio Spurs this season. He’s only averaged 9.0 minutes and 2.2 points, while making 23.1 percent of his 3-pointers in 15 games this season.
This is a stark contrast from when he was with the Brooklyn Nets last season averaging 25.4 minutes, 11.1 points and 5.2 rebounds, while shooting 34.2 percent on 4.6 attempts from downtown.
Carroll has been a versatile defender in the past and use to get hot from deep any given night. Sadly, it appears he hasn’t been able to find his fit with the Spurs. Carroll can provide better defense and rebounding than Mike Scott is currently producing, while he also has the potential to be better on offense.
Spurs get a more natural stretch four in Scott. They also get a cheaper and short contract with Scott as well. Financially, this deal benefits the Spurs and that should be reason enough that they do this hypothetical trade.
This deal is a bit risky as Philly would be betting on the fact that Carroll can still be an above average 3-and-D player. If he can’t, then the Sixers would come out as the losers in the proposed trade, but it’s a risk they should take based on Carroll’s track record.