Eight possible trades to fix the Philadelphia 76ers

This would require Jrue Holiday deciding he wants out of New Orleans. If that does happen — which is possible, considering Holiday’s looming extension deadline — the Sixers should throw everything and the kitchen sink at GM David Griffin. Holiday is too good a fit to ignore, all irony aside.

The Horford contract is possibly a dealbreaker, as any financial flexibility aligned with Zion Williamson’s burgeoning career is a luxury worth preserving. With that said, if the Pelicans believe Horford can rekindle some of his old magic in a more friendly team environment, he could mark a natural progression at center. Derrick Favors happens to be a free agent.

Of course, Philadelphia would need to saturate a potential trade package with assets and draft capital. New Orleans gets another dose of elite perimeter defense in Thybulle, as well as multiple first-round picks. All for Holiday, who is on an expiring contract and, in this hypothetical situation, probably does not want to return.

Bringing Holiday back to South Philly would immediately boost the Sixers’ status as contenders. He’s one of the best defensive guards on the planet, and paired next to Ben Simmons and Josh Richardson, could help Philadelphia lock all windows and doors on the perimeter. On offense, he’s a talented playmaker in the halfcourt and a good enough shooter to make do.

This is a dark horse possibility worth monitoring. Holiday is both a magnificent person and a magnificent player. He remains one of the NBA’s most underrated talents. And, at 30, he’s probably looking to contend. A Philadelphia reunion can help him do so.