Sixers rumors: Patty Mills-Josh Richardson swap could happen

The Sixers could strike a deal with the change-hungry Spurs.

The rumor mill is heating up with the NBA Draft and free agency just over a week away. The Sixers are in need of major changes, and one obvious trade chip is Josh Richardson. With no real future for the 27-year-old in Philadelphia, a move would make sense.

One such rumor has already hit the internet.

According to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, the Sixers have expressed interest in Spurs point guard Patty Mills. Richardson would likely head to San Antonio in return, with Mills’ set to make roughly $13.3 million next season — the final year of his contract.

On the surface, this may not seem all that appealing. Mills is an undersized 32-year-old point guard, whereas Richardson is five years younger with All-Defense potential. Richardson is the better player and the better asset, but for Philadelphia, it might be time to prioritize fit over talent.

Richardson will not re-sign in Philadelphia next season. That is virtually guaranteed — he’s too expensive. Mills, on the other hand, will get cheaper, not more expensive. The Sixers can probably keep him around longer, either for the mid-level exception or a minimum contract.

On the court, Mills is a much cleaner fit next to Philadelphia’s core. He’s a gunner from 3-point range, a skillful point guard in the halfcourt, and a generally selfless teammate. He does to the little things to win, and he competes on defense — even if his size and athleticism restrict him in certain matchups.

Mills is a quick-trigger shooter and a much better decision-maker than Richardson. While Richardson would benefit from a more defined slashing role in San Antonio, his skill set simply doesn’t work in Philadelphia. He’s too hesitant a shooter and too limited a passer to thrive in an offense built around Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.

At most, a trade could allow Mills to set up shop and finish his career next to Philadelphia’s young stars. He and Ben Simmons are both from Australia. At the least, this is a one-year flyer on a more suitable guard who can decongest the lane and help Philadelphia’s offense run smoother, even if he’s the lesser talent in a vacuum.

Depending on the market for Mills, the Sixers could also try to squeeze draft compensation out of the deal. That said, a move up from 21 to 11 on draft night seems like wishful thinking. Especially with other contenders — most notably the Bucks, who O’Connor mentioned specifically — likely to have interest in Mills.