The 2020 trade deadline nears… what might the Philadelphia 76ers do?
Alaa… we’re coming in for a landing. We’re one week from the Feb. 6 trade deadline, which means the Philadelphia 76ers are liable to shake things up in the very near future. Reports seem to predict a rather tame deadline, but I’m not so confident. The Sixers are home run hitters, and Elton Brand is Barry Bonds.
All this to say, Brand’s very brief tenure as GM already includes midseason trades for Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris. He managed to exchange half the bench last deadline, for good measure. It’s clear Brand is an ambitious soul, and the Sixers could use a sprinkle of ambition this time around.
This season could end up as Brett Brown’s final go-around. If the Sixers are unable to break into genuine contention — a conference finals appearance, at the very least — ownership might finally have incentive to pull the plug Bryan Colangelo always wanted to pull.
If the Sixers view this season as pivotal, then a light shuffle at the trade deadline — if nothing more — seems inevitable. The bench still needs a lot of work, and Al Horford‘s fit at power forward has caused issues to date.
I would not discount the possibility of another blockbuster. The Sixers could very well shop Horford in search of a more fitting fifth star, at risk of a slight talent downgrade. My confidence doesn’t warrant such a prediction, but I wouldn’t predict against it. Just saying.
Here’s what my crystal ball says about the Sixers’ trade deadline.
3. Furkan Korkmaz stays put
The Sixers will make moves on the margins, but none of those moves will involve Furkan Korkmaz. Furky Jerky from Turkey has turned into a pleasant surprise this season — he’s shooting 39.1 percent from deep, he’s making quicker reads, and he’s trying (his best!) on defense.
In his current state, Korkmaz will struggle in the postseason. He’s too easy a target on defense not to. Even so, his offensive growth has led to significant trust from Brett Brown. Korkmaz has become more involved in two-man actions with Joel Embiid, and he’s a legitimate main cog in the second unit.
Next to Matisse Thybulle, Korkmaz has been Philadelphia’s most important reserve. After requesting a trade last season and almost returning to Europe over the summer, his development from fringe NBA talent to bonafide bomber equated to a genuine investment from Brett Brown. The 22-year-old has a team option for next season, which will undoubtedly be picked up.
The Sixers need quick-trigger shooters, especially ones who can work dribble hand-offs and competently attack closeouts. Korkmaz checks all boxes, and seems to play up to the moment in every circumstance. He’s gaining confidence by the hour. I don’t see a situation in which Philadelphia trades their most valuable minimum contract.
2. Mike Scott, gone
My apologies and condolences to the Hive. This season has been a step in the wrong direction for Mike Scott, who happens to occupy the Sixers’ most trade-able contract slot. He’s on the hook for the mid-level exception. He, Zhaire Smith, and Matisse Thybulle are the only non-starters receiving significantly more than the veteran minimum.
Any trade that requires salary filler will almost certainly include Scott. Unless Brand throws caution to the wind and swings a deal involving Horford or Josh Richardson, it’s nearly impossible to conjure a productive trade without including Scott.
On paper, Scott still has value. He’s a blue chip guy, something the fanbase clearly appreciates. He’s also a chucker, which the Sixers need. He catches and shoots, often without hesitation. Sometimes you need a player who doesn’t overextend himself. The Sixers need guys to catch and fire.
This season, however, Scott’s three-point percentage has plummeted to 33.3 percent. He’s shooting 38.8 percent from the field. Positive regression still feels inevitable to a certain degree, but Scott’s primary value is as a shooter. He hasn’t provided nearly enough in that respect.
Scott is someone who can play postseason minutes in the right setting. He’s not a lost cause. But Philadelphia, by virtue of necessity, will have to send him away.
1. Derrick Rose, Sixer
The trade that will end Mike Scott’s Sixers tenure? Derrick Rose. Of all the notable names attached to Philadelphia, Rose feels most plausible. Bogdan Bogdanovic seems tethered to Sacramento. Danilo Gallinari is too lofty a goal. Robert Covington will have ardent bidders. D-Rose is the logical conclusion.
Rose has already been tied to Philadelphia in rumors. He fills a clear need — twitchy, dynamic shot creation in the halfcourt — and he’s a well-traveled veteran who can live up to the moment in big games. It’s mostly logical for the front office to have interest.
There are valid reservations about Rose the person, reservations I myself hold. It could be difficult for some to root for Rose after allegations of sexual misconduct, which he hasn’t offered a proper apology for. It’s clear NBA teams still value Rose, however, and it’s a bit optimistic to expect the Sixers front office to avoid Rose on moral grounds.
As a player, Rose would have a definite impact — a very positive one. He can finish games over Al Horford depending on the matchup, and his slippery pick-and-roll scoring would pair nicely with both Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. Above all else, the Sixers need more players who can get buckets, a skill Rose has in spades.
The trade would involve Mike Scott, perhaps another minimum contract, and either an amalgamation of second-round picks for a future first-round pick. The Sixers have enough to tempt Detroit into a trade here. Don’t be surprised if the former MVP is wearing a different red and blue after Feb. 6.