Sixers: 5 outside-the-box trade concepts

2 of 5

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Sixers invest in the future at point guard

SIXERS RECEIVE: Spencer Dinwiddie, Nicolo Melli

NETS RECEIVE: J.J. Redick, Vincent Poirier, Knicks 2021 second-round pick (via PHI)

PELICANS RECEIVE: Mike Scott, Terrance Ferguson, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot

The Sixers invest in the future by acquiring Spencer Dinwiddie’s bird rights and angling to re-sign him in the offseason. He would not play this season after tearing his ACL, but is expected to recover fully by next season. Dinwiddie would have the freedom to sign anywhere, but the Sixers are a true contender and can offer him a significant role.

While it seems risky to invest assets in a player who may never suit up in a Sixers uniform, the price is slim. A second-round pick and some expiring contracts are well worth even a 75-percent chance of having Dinwiddie on the team next season. Plus, Nicolo Melli is a more than capable replacement for Mike Scott.

Philadelphia has documented interest in J.J. Redick, but he is frankly worth less than even the injured Dinwiddie. If the Nets are willing to discard Dinwiddie and his contract for an immediate contributor in Redick, the Sixers should have no serious qualms about helping to facilitate it.

For New Orleans, this is basically wiping the Redick slate clean with expiring contracts and young wings. The Pelicans are currently 2.5 games outside the play-in tournament and are in no hurry to win games this season. While there’s a good chance New Orleans would just take Dinwiddie’s bird rights instead, the looming extension of Lonzo Ball (if he’s not traded) and Eric Bledsoe’s contract could make this route preferable.