Sixers: Pros and cons of pursuing 3 trade targets

Should the Sixers trade for Jonathan Isaac

PROS

• Jonathan Isaac is a supremely versatile defender. At 6-foot-11, he can switch all over the floor and guard four-to-five positions on paper. He can thrive on-ball or off-ball, making excellent use of his 7-foot wingspan to generate turnovers and stifle the opposition’s scoring avenues.
• Last time he played, Isaac averaged 1.6 steals and 2.3 blocks per game. He is a legitimate chaos agent, the kind of atomic force that can single-handedly change the calculus of a team’s defense. Paired with Embiid and Melton, Isaac would allow the Sixers to lock a large amount of windows and doors.
• He averaged 6.8 rebounds per game in 2019-20 and would provide the Sixers with more size on the glass, an ongoing area of need for this team.
• One has to imagine he can be had cheaply due to Orlando’s present roster situation. The Magic have several impressive forward/frontcourt prospects who take precedent over Isaac, making him expendable on Orlando’s end and gettable on Philly’s end.
• A capable shooter who has flashed the ability to attack defenses with long strides and impressive touch around the rim, Isaac has significant untapped potential offensively — even if the main source of intrigue is his defensive exploits.

CONS

• Another major injury concern. Isaac hasn’t played in three years due to a series of lower leg injuries. Who knows if he will ever get back to 100 percent? Any untapped potential has to be taken with a grain of salt considering the equal (if not greater) downside risk.
• He’s a career 33.0 percent 3-point shooter on 3.0 attempts per game. Not bad, but depending on who the Sixers give up to match his $17.4 million salary, it could compress the floor for Philly’s star creators.
• There have also been some off-court controversies related to Isaac’s political ideologies and religious beliefs. Do with that what you will.