Philadelphia 76ers: Grades for 2020 NBA trade deadline

This was a strange one. The Sixers needed to clear space to bring in Burks and Robinson, so a trade was inevitable. But Ennis was unexpected. He had a no-trade clause, but waived it in favor of an expanded role in Orlando. The Magic sent back the Lakers’ 2020 second-round pick in return.

The Lakers’ pick will land in the late 50s, and knowing Brand, there’s a strong chance Philadelphia flips it for cash. Some will call it a salary dump, as Ennis had a player option for next season, but I’m skeptical he was ever going to accept it. He’s on the veteran minimum.

Ennis isn’t a special player and this could end up as inconsequential as any trade. Still, Ennis played good basketball early in the season and he contributed valuable minutes during the Sixers’ 2019 postseason run. He’s a more proven performer in high-leverage moments than Furkan Korkmaz, Shake Milton, and the Sixers’ other youngsters.

The Sixers didn’t have a ton of players to shed — Trey Burke was cut, and the young players, though unproven, are on affordable multi-year contracts. The cash-strapped Sixers need to develop young talent. Still, if you were to list three names — James Ennis, Jonah Bolden, Kyle O’Quinn — and ask me to cut one, Ennis would have been my last choice.

Not a huge deal, but not necessarily the ideal move.