Losses still come relatively often for the Philadelphia 76ers, but there is no denying that the team has turned in a much better product on the court compared to the mess they put out much earlier into the season. Following a drastic roster turnover, the players are starting to show visible signs of gelling on both ends of the floor.
With better health permitting, the 76ers are in a prime position to start getting some much-needed momentum in the standings. Their upcoming schedule until the middle of January gives them an opportunity to do just that, and should they indeed capitalize, the rest of the league would be put to notice on this team’s actual potential.
Having said that, those things, while valid, should not preclude the front office from seeking more attractive options on the trade market. The 76ers remain in an ideal position to engage in trade talks, and the league-wide expectation is that Daryl Morey and company will not pass up on the chance to rectify some of their biggest mistakes last summer.
The 76ers could trade for Alex Caruso if OKC makes him available
One player Philadelphia has long had on its radar is current Oklahoma City guard Alex Caruso. A popular name in the rumor mill dating back to previous years, it would seem on the surface that the valued veteran is a sure bet to remain on the Thunder’s roster this season.
However, Caruso is due for a robust extension, and it is not too far-fetched to envisage a situation where the Thunder’s looming extensions for their stars hinder their capacity to re-sign their role players to lucrative deals.
Should OKC makes him available for taking, probably with attendant with a steep asking price, the 76ers should immediately come knocking on their door. With or without Jared McCain, who is out indefinitely with a torn meniscus, the team badly needs reinforcement at the backcourt — something that has been elusive thanks to some chronic flops on the roster.
Caruso, one of the most daunting defenders in the league with a respectable offensive game to boot, would be a resounding addition to Philly should that push through. No one pegs as a better connector next to a star-studded lineup than him as someone who simply makes winning plays, especially on defense.
Of course, the Thunder would still probably exhaust everything to retain him, but Caruso is similarly looking at a big payday. He is currently expected to command around $20 million annually, a figure that could make OKC’s brass ponder hard.
“Obviously this is a place that I think is ascending and that’s something I want to be a part of. That's why I’m here. I think the writing is on the wall. People don't trade for guys in the last year of their contracts unless they expect to keep 'em for a while”.
"That's just the business part of it. So I'm looking forward to having that conversation with Sam . Everything that the Thunder stand for are things that I stand for. I think their focus, their drives and desires, are the same as mine. It's been a good fit and I'm looking forward to hopefully a couple more years”.
While perhaps a pipe dream for now, the Philadelphia 76ers have to be opportunistic and hope that with some stroke of luck and stars aligining, Alex Caruso could finally land in the city.