Philadelphia 76ers: 5 trades to mitigate James Harden miss

Sixers trade hypothetical #4

• PHI gets: P.J. Tucker
• HOU gets: Mike Scott, 2021 NYK 2RP, 2023 ATL/CHA/BKN 2RP, 2024 PHI 2RP

The minimum price for P.J. Tucker is likely a gaggle of second-round picks, a price the Sixers should happily pay. Philadelphia can absorb Tucker into one of its trade exceptions, but moving on from Scott — who plays the same position and would no longer have a spot in the rotation — would allow Philadelphia to use that exception elsewhere.

Tucker is a tough, versatile interior defender who can competently split time between the five, four, and three. He’s a corner 3 marksman, a winner, and has been the cornerstone of Houston’s culture over the years. Tucker is the kind of veteran presence that could benefit Embiid, Simmons, and Philadelphia’s younger pieces.

The Sixers’ second unit is short on defense, and while that’s not necessarily a critical area of need, Tucker would provide a sizable boost over Scott, who is still Rivers’ clearly preference for Philadelphia’s 10th roster spot. Tucker is smart, unselfish, and the kind of spot-up shooter Philadelphia’s offense is designed to take advantage of.

Houston gets the Knicks pick and a promising 2023 pick, both of which could land in the 30s. Plus Philadelphia’s 2024 second — far enough in the future to cast some level of doubt over the Sixers’ competitive status. The Sixers will undeniably have competition for Tucker, and Houston clearly resents Daryl Morey, but Philadelphia shouldn’t hesitate to place a call.