76ers trade for Thunder’s Mike Muscala
Mike Muscala makes his triumphant return to Philadelphia after years in a double-agent role that netted Philadelphia the pick that became Tyrese Maxey. It may seem pointless to tread such familiar ground — not that long ago, Muscala was part of the Sixers’ assembly line of underwhelming, ineffective backup fives. But, Musky has been quite good the last couple years in OKC. Good enough to warrant another look.
The price should relatively cheap and he’s on the last year of his guaranteed contract, with a club option for next season at $3.5 million. There’s not much risk for Philadelphia financially. Perhaps, with the aid of a second-round pick for sweetener, they can interest OKC is another former Sixers sharpshooter on the wing. Unfortunately, it feels past time for a Furkan Korkmaz relocation.
On top of the return of a great nickname (Musky or Moose), Muscala would give the Sixers a stretch five to run copious pick-and-pops with whichever point guard shares the court with him. He’s also a decent finisher on the role who brings ample size to the defensive end (another legitimate 7-footer).
I’m pretty confident in saying that Muscala is better than Montrezl Harrell right now. Paul Reed is probably the best option overall, but alas, Doc Rivers won’t play him. We’ll see what happens come postseason, but Moose would be a reasonable (and, again, affordable) acquisition.