Despite the recent turmoil, it took a lot of work for the Philadelphia 76ers to form their roster, which stands as one of the most talented collection of talents in the league. Led by reigning Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid, the franchise has had one of the more successful runs in the league in recent years.
While the team has exited the postseason in seemingly disappointing fashion year after year, the front office hasn’t been blind to this and has retooled when needed. From moving on from their former blue chip big men to eventually trading the disgruntled Ben Simmons that netted them James Harden, the 76ers have been able to recognize when to make the proverbial switch.
That being said, one All-Star may have flirted with Philly, revealing that he thought he was being traded to the Sixers during the 2022 NBA trade deadline.
All-Star guard reveals he thought he got traded to the 76ers last year
Tyrese Haliburton, who emerged as an All-Star this season for the Indiana Pacers after being shipped from the Sacramento Kings for Domantas Sabonis, recently bared that he thought he got traded to the 76ers during last year’s trade deadline.
Speaking on Paul George’s podcast, Haliburton said he called then-Sixer forward Georges Niang (now of the Cavaliers) to ask if he was coming to Philly before the veteran told him that he hasn’t heard anything of the sorts.
It’s unclear where this came from, but it must be noted that the 76ers were reportedly offered Haliburton by the Kings for Ben Simmons before the deal died down and the Pacers eventually acquired him.
Nevertheless, it’s definitely fun to imagine Haliburton running the point for Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. If there’s anyone in the league who can match or even exceed Harden’s playmaking, it’s Haliburton. Better yet, he’s only 23 years old and should have his best years ahead of him.
For now, that partnership will unlikely transpire, if at all, especially with Indiana having just inked the lanky playmaker to a well-deserved five-year, $260 million contract extension.
Anyway, as one of the best youngsters in the association, the Phialdelphia 76ers will certainly have their hands full against Tyrese Haliburton and the young Indiana Pacers for the foreseeable future as a potential rival in the East.
Grade the Trade: HH pitches riveting three-team James Harden trade for the 76ers
Hoops Habit pitched a riveting three-team blockbuster trade involving James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers. Here are the grades.