The Philadelphia 76ers are still pretty far from contention. These last couple of games showed and vividly highlighted their flaws, but fortunately for them, they might have just gotten a free pass to improve the current roster at a very minimal cost.
As reported by NBA insider Jake Fischer, the 76ers and the Grizzlies have had preliminary talks as recent as last month about a potential trade. Apparently, one implication of this development is that Philly could be in position to be the third team in a multi-team trade given the new synergy between both clubs.
The best part about it is the fact that in the event Memphis does end up going for a blockbuster trade and taps into Philly to function as a third valve, the 76ers will have absolutely zero reason to send out a useful asset. They will only need to give up, say, matching salaries which they already intend to shed anyway in the trade market.
The 76ers have the opportunity to improve the roster for almost zero cost
Philly still has a lot of issues to rectify on the roster. Their outside shooting can still be pretty spotty at times. Their defense, while much improved compared to a season ago, is still prone to allowing the opposing team to basically hemorrhage points.
To add, their rebounding remains in the bottom-half of the league. Playmaking likewise subsists as a primary point of concern. Bench scoring is still one of their weaker points due to the underwhelming play of their expected catalysts on the second unit.
By being in position to be a third team in deals, the 76ers can get some assets to incentivize them while also getting players who can give them a lift in certain areas. This is one of the only viable ways where they can improve the roster for basically chump change and without sacrificing the financial flexibility they are carefully trying to keep intact.
The front office, at this point, cannot expect any feasible major shake-ups involving them. As such, helping facilitate deals will be a great way for them to make full use of their expiring deals while raking in some more assets they can use for later alongside the mentione upgrades on the margins.
We will learn much more as the trade deadline creeps in, but for now, suffice to say that the Philadelphia 76ers are in great position to come out as winners in the trade market.