The Philadelphia 76ers, as previously elaborated here, are one of the very few teams in the league that could actually benefit this season if they inhibited themselves from the trade market. As such, it is intensely baffling that apparently, some people out there even deem that there is a non-zero chance that they trade for — wait for it — Ja Morant.
Yes, you read that right. Morant, who is now actively being made available by the Memphis Grizzlies amid a bizarre campaign, is still getting penciled in by some as a possible trade target for the 76ers. A certain sports betting platform has them tied with teams like the Heat and Jazz with a five percent odds of making a move for the struggling All-Star.
Obviously, that is still not a lot to be profusely amused about, but really, what in the world are these oddsmakers even thinking putting the 76ers on that shortlist? Somehow, it seems like they forgot that Philly literally has a wealth of riches in the backcourt. Just the thought of going after Morant would even make the trade machine-obsessed fan raise his brows.
The 76ers absolutely do not need to go after Ja Morant
Already having a couple of foundational blocks in the backcourt in Tyrese Maxey, an MVP candidate, and VJ Edgecombe, a contender for Rookie of the Year, is one thing. The other part that makes this train of thought all the more baffling is the perceived notion that the 76ers even need someone of Morant’s ilk and styling.
Save the off-court factors, which is a story for another day. Philadelphia simply has no need for another ball-dominant guard who is rarely a factor without the ball in hands, a less effective defender due to injuries, and on that note, an injury-prone star who is already losing favor as an upper echelon guard in the league.
If anything, the 76ers need more streamlining in the backcourt. One can argue that there are some overlaps skillset-wise that need a lot of polishing out there, and adding another mouth to feed will only exacerbate that brewing issue.
Naturally, we cannot take this seriously. However, people ought to be more self-aware of the fact that the 76ers actually have a competent front office despite their lapses and Morant is in no way the kind of player that can get them over the hump.
Heck, just the fact that this topic even needs some reiteration is puzzling in and of itself. This might just be one of the most vivid signals as to why sports betting should be banned.