The Philadelphia 76ers were suspiciously silent — until they were not. Just when no one was expecting them to pull the trigger, Daryl Morey and his crew finally snapped the idle streak, trading Caleb Martin to the Mavericks to kickstart their active participation on the trade madness going around the league ahead of the deadline.
Philly was quietly believed to be doing the prep work to be involved in a bigger deal, but this deal also cuts them a hell of a return. Dallas compensated by sending Quentin Grimes and the 76ers’ own 2025 second-round pick back, and while Martin’s absence would certainly be felt, the young wing will undoubtedly offer the team much more production, especially offensively.
Having said that, this move only signals that the 76ers front office is not yet finished trying to strike a trade. And gausging from how the market is moving, here are three players who are most likely to get traded next with the trade deadline fast approaching.
The 76ers are most likely to trade these three players ahead of the trade deadline
3. Eric Gordon
Thanks to Eric Gordon somehow finding a way to regain his shot, which looked completely broken at the start of the season, he has regained his footing as a viable trade targets for teams. In fact, playoff-bound clubs were already rumored to have inquired about his availability, and given Grimes addition, his value on the team will most likely wane.
2. Andre Drummond
Drummond, who was relied on to soften the blow for when Joel Embiid is sidelined due to injury and whatnot, has been sheer disaster in his return to Philly. The veteran center has become pretty expendable thanks to Guerschon Yabusele usurping him, and at this point, it is only a matter of time until the 76ers trade him. The only issue is whether or not another team finds sufficient reason to move assets for him.
1. Paul George
Finally, we go to the pipe dream scenario. Paul George, who is currently sidelined with an injury of his own, has recently emerged in the rumor mill as a name to look out for. The Warriors already asked the 76ers for their asking price, and as long as Philly does not get Maverick-ed, it is tough to envision Morey not pouncing on any opportunity to jettison his mammoth contract, especially given how he has performed thus far.