With the NBA trade deadline 17 days away, injury listings, rotation decisions and player comments go from coincidence to conspiracy as trade speculation heats up and the Philadelphia 76ers may not be an exception.
Adem Bona replaced Andre Drummond in Philadelphia’s rotation since its 115-102 win over the Toronto Raptors on January 12th. While Nick Nurse’s decision could be matchup-based, the timing of this move in relation to the trade deadline is interesting. Drummond holds one of the 76ers’ most tradeable salaries, leaving fans to wonder if Bona’s promotion could lead to something more.
Philadelphia isn’t positioned to have an eventful trade deadline with Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey occupying a combined $89.8 million on its payroll. Considering Embiid and George’s uncertainty, the 76ers may not want to make a trade that requires long-term assets. Sitting in sixth place of the Eastern Conference and being $1 million below the first tax apron, they could aim to improve within the margins.
That’s where Drummond comes in. He accepted his $5 million player option on June 27th, but following an underwhelming 2024-25 campaign, 76ers fans saw him as an inevitable trade candidate. The 14-year veteran, however, experienced a resurgence by developing a somewhat reliable three-point shot, shooting a career-high 37.8% from deep.
Drummond missed 42 games last season primarily because of a left toe injury, which limited his mobility on both ends of the court. Now moving better, he’s averaging seven points and 8.8 rebounds this year, but his natural shortcomings were prevalent. Drummond’s limitations in drop coverage and occasional judgment lapses with the ball seemingly caused Nurse to rely on Bona more.
The two-time all-star didn’t play in Philadelphia's last three games barring a garbage-time fourth quarter in its 133-107 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 14th. While Bona may be better suited to face Evan Mobley and Toronto’s nontraditional frontcourt, Drummond’s extended rest could be Philadelphia prioritizing its commitment to the sophomore.
If there was an opportunity for the 76ers to sell high on Drummond, it’s now given his improved shot and increased box-score production. Ian Begley of SNY labeled the New York Knicks as a team interested in Drummond on December 18th, signifying that he may possess some value around the NBA.
Philadelphia could theoretically package the center and a second-round pick to either erase his salary or acquire a marginal upgrade like a Duop Reath or Marvin Bagley III, younger less expensive options.