The Philadelphia 76ers have caught steam as of late, though their recent string of games suggest that they are still pretty far from where they want to be as a team. They have now lost three of their last four games, kickstarting 2025 with a chronic showing of inconsistency on both ends of the court.
While this does not change the fact that the 76ers have become a much-improved bunch compared to early in the season when they constantly put out a measly product on the hardwood, this roster clearly needs some work, and their continued inaction in the trade market is, quite frankly, surprising. It is definitely hard to believe that Daryl Morey and company, with their slew of assets, cannot muster to strike a deal to address the team’s pressing needs.
One weakness in particular that Philly must abate in the coming weeks before the trade deadline is three-point shooting. Clocking in as the sixth-worst three-point shooting squad in the league, the 76ers have to zero in on snagging a sharpshooter or two to get the offense to run more smoothly around their stars.
The 76ers should trade for sharpshooter Luke Kennard, who has become dispensable for Memphis
Speaking of sharpshooters, one player the 76ers could explore trading for is Grizzlies wing Luke Kennard, who has seen his role slightly diminish this season for his upstart ball club. Memphis is comofrtably one of the best teams in the West after getting decimated by injuries in three previous campaign, but they would likely seek to snag steadier players on the market to bolster their championship bid.
Kennard has been just fine, still being one of the league’s most accurate three-point shooters thanks to his 45.3 percent accuracy rate from downtown, but he has been an in-and-out guy for them due to injuries. Having said that, there is some credence in the 76ers assuming that risk, especially given the benefits they could reap with him aboard.
The 28-year-old touts a pretty straightforward profile — a pure, high percentage three-point shooter who knows when to get to his spots and relocate around the perimeter when needed. He is also a respectable secondary release valve as a playmaker who rarely turns the ball over. He is a rather safe player to trot out in any situation.
Just imagine Kennard roaming around the three-point line while teams double down on Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, both willing and capable kick-out passers. He would certainly have a lot of opportunities to punish defenses and make life easier for those two and Paul George, who is still missing his shot due in part to congested lanes.
For this simple reason, the Philadelphia 76ers should laser in on Luke Kennard, who has long been one of the most lethal pure shooters in the NBA.