The Philadelphia 76ers are currently an idle party in the trade market. While we can safely presume that Daryl Morey, Elton Brand, and the entire front office are looking to upgrade the roster in some way, they have definitely not generated a lot of noise in that regard. However, that could change if the Trey Murphy trade sweepstakes go full-throttle.
Murphy, who is enjoying a career year so far this season, is probably the hottest commodity in the trade market at the moment. He is on a plenty reasonable deal as a starting-caliber forward, and his modern skill set is highly desirable for any team, especially for the 76ers. And if the Pelicans’ rumored asking price for their coveted forward is true, Philly could actually crash the bidding war for his services.
According to recent reports, New Orleans has set a price tag of two unprotected first-round picks for Murphy (as well as Herb Jones, another highly coveted wing). While that is most certainly a steep asking price, the 76ers do have the sufficient ammo to be a key player in a prospective sweepstakes for 25-year-old.
The 76ers can crash the Trey Murphy trade sweepstakes if they so desire
To be honest, given the draft capital the 76ers currently have, it would actually be more difficult for them to come to terms with the Pelicans when it comes ot matching salaries. Of course, Philly would probably prefer to dnagle away Paul George, who almost makes twice as much money as Murphy. However, there is indeed a pathway for both teams to make the money work. Ultimately, figuring out the future-directed assets will be the ultimate pendulum-swinger.
As long as the 76ers avoid trading any of the Clippers first-round picks they own, it is not compeletely unreasonable for them to meet that asking price. After all, Murphy has ample roster control. He is still under contract for three more seasons after the current one.
Trading for Murphy would undoubtedly be an even bolder win-now escapade for the 76ers. However, he simply fits this team like a glove, and he would also allow the team to get younger out in the perimeter. He is one of the most lethal volume three-point shooters in the league while also being a competent defender and a respectable playmaker on the secondary.
So far, the 76ers have not shown any strong signals that they would be pursuing Murphy via trade, but doing so would make a ton of sense for them given the dynamics of their roster. If the front office is dead-serious about maximizing this team’s chances, they should definitely engage the Pelicans with a serious offer.