The Philadelphia 76ers could be persuaded to trade Josh Richardson this offseason. Here are some potential trade packages.
Having committed the GDP of a medium-sized country to Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Al Horford, and Tobias Harris, the Philadelphia 76ers may not have the cap space to retain Josh Richardson once his contract expires in 2021. If so, a trade could be the only logical conclusion.
Whether he’s part of a larger package, or simply a one-for-one deal, Richardson could have many suitors on the trade market. While he struggled to stay on the court in his first year with the Sixers, talented 3-and-D wings tend to get attention in the NBA.
A trade could prove mutually beneficial. Richardson’s lack of playmaking feel was detrimental last season, both for his individual production and his fit in Brett Brown’s system. The Sixers could use a more natural playmaker, while Richardson would benefit from fewer responsibilities in the halfcourt.
A Richardson trade is not guaranteed, and he’s still good enough to provide value in Philadelphia — especially if Doc Rivers can find more creative ways to utilize the talent already on the roster. Richardson is a capable 3-point shooter, a top-tier defender at the point of attack, and a strong voice in the locker room. He is by no means someone the Sixers need to trade.
That said, if the Sixers determine Richardson’s days are numbered — he will command more than his current $10.9 million on the open market — then it would be foolish not to consider a trade.