The Philadelphia 76ers are in the market for roster upgrades ahead of the Feb. 9 trade deadline. One area of need is backup center, with the Sixers reportedly in search of a more reliable traditional option for certain postseason matchups, according to Kyle Neubeck of PhillyVoice.
Deja vu? Join the club. The Sixers have been eternally searching for the right option behind Joel Embiid. For a brief moment last season, we were all convinced it was Andre Drummond — until he was traded. Then Paul Reed flashed in the playoffs, but Doc Rivers promptly relegated him to obscurity.
The Sixers’ current backup center, Montrezl Harrell, has a long history of stinking up the postseason. Rivers clearly doesn’t trust Reed, no matter how ardently he suggests otherwise. P.J. Tucker small-ball lineups can work — and have worked in the past — but it’s not ideal as the only option.
So, here are three hypothetical trades to upgrade the backup center spot.
76ers trade for Magic’s Moritz Wagner
Orlando’s frontcourt logjam is well documented. Mo Wagner, the older brother of burgeoning Magic star Franz Wagner, has carved out a nice role for himself despite the bevy of quality options on the Orlando roster. That said, one has to imagine the tanking Magic would be willing to part with the 25-year-old.
So, we thus arrive at Jaden Springer. I’m frankly not sure what value, if any, Springer has on the trade market right now. He’s a former first-round pick, but only barely (29th overall). And he has played a grand total of 32 NBA minutes in 1.5 seasons. There have been legitimate flashes on the defensive end from Springer, but he’s a long way from contributing offensively in the league.
Can the Sixers swipe Wagner, on his expiring $1.8 million contract, for a low-risk bet on Springer who’s still on a team-friendly rookie deal? And maybe a protected second-round pick in the future? It’s worth a shot, perhaps.
Wagner can space the floor, fill the lane with fervor, and compete admirably on the boards. He’s pretty slick for a 7-footer, light on his feet and quite skilled. The Sixers saw his talent first-hand in their recent two-game home stand against the Magic.
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.
76ers trade for Hornets’ Mason Plumlee and P.J. Washington
A slightly more expansive framework, just in case Daryl Morey wants to branch out and kill two birds with one stone, proverbially speaking. The Sixers get Mason Plumlee, a certified starting caliber center who would immediate sure up any lingering doubts about the backup five minutes in the regular season and the postseason. They also get P.J. Washington, who would step immediately into a critical role with the second unit.
The Sixers have to give something to get something, of course. Charlotte’s putrid defense gets a boost in the form of Matisse Thybulle, who can hassle opposing ball-handlers and take pressure off of LaMelo Ball. Furkan Korkmaz is salary filler (with some potential as a floor-spacer), and Georges Niang is an expiring contract with immediate utility as a shooter and veteran leader.
The first-round pick is what makes Charlotte consider this trade, of course. The Hornets are actively tanking and might not frown at the idea of getting worse and stocking up on future picks. Washington is in the final year of his rookie contract, on the verge of restricted free agency — just like Thybulle. I have to imagine the Sixers would be more comfortable paying Washington. Meanwhile, the Hornets might have the financial flexibility and general patience to invest in Thybulle’s development over the course of his second contract.
This trade would improve the Sixers in the short-term. Plumlee is genuinely very good — a highly underrated defensive anchor who’s light on his feet and who supplies ample play-finishing and play-connecting skills on offense. Washington can defend multiple positions on the perimeter and maybe even swallow some small-ball minutes next to Tucker in the playoffs. He’s not quite the shooter Niang is, but 35.6 percent on 5.6 attempts per game from deep is enough to keep defenses honest.
3 potential 76ers trades involving Matisse Thybulle
The Philadelphia 76ers could shop Matisse Thybulle around at the trade deadline. Here are three reasonable trade frameworks.