With the season not having even started yer, it is probably way too early for the Philadelphia 76ers to start considering a drastic next step. While their roster is most certainly not perfect in any shape, way or form, the front office still needs a considerable sample size before adjudging the real ceiling of this core –– something they completely failed to have last season.
Yet this is a Daryl Morey-led front office we are talking about. The 76ers probably do not have a “closed season” or anything remotely similar when it comes to laying down their ambitious plans. Hence, it is likely plausible to believe that the team’s decision-makers already have some sort of a whiteboard as to their desired targets.
There has been little to no rumblings about this, but one name the 76ers should strongly keep on their radar is Lauri Markkanen. So far, the Jazz have been adamant about keeping him, especially since his lucrative four-year deal has just kickstarted, but at some point, Utah’s need to commit fully to a youth movement should be plenty enough to rock their boat.
But even if they make him available and the 76ers express interest, it will be a very difficult scenario to pull off. That is moreso the case should a certain team out West join the fray.
The 76ers face a formidable opponent if they target Lauri Markkanen
As Kevin O’Connor recently suggested, one team that could be compelling enough of a landing spot for the All-Star forward is the San Antonio Spurs, a young team on the rise expected to strongly contend for a playoff spot in the brutal Western Conference this season.
Led by Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs have the stylings and makings of a potential dynasty, and they could further enrich themselves and elevate their ceiling by target someone like Markkanen, a big forward who should be a picturesque fit next to the young superstar.
While the 76ers have the salaries and the required draft capital to entice the Jazz in a prospective deal, the Spurs could have an even better trade package. They have young prospects whom Utah might want to have to bolster their young core, not to mention further draft ammunition to improve their future.
Markkanen would likewise be a perfect fit for the 76ers for the most obvious reasons, but even if they want him and despite the fact that they have what it takes to pry him away from the Jazz, the Spurs are arguably in a better position to strike a deal with Utah.