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.