The trade deadline is just a few days away, meaning that the Philadelphia 76ers are likely to get a deal done in about a week’s time. After all, that has been the modus operandi of Daryl Morey and the front office over the last few years. And going by precedence, the odds are stronger that the team will find itself partaking in the barrage of swaps in the coming days.
Having said that, while many would prefer for the 76ers to start wheeling and dealing, it would also be a rational choice if they decide to sit out this year. Realistically speaking, they face more restrictive circumstances that basically limit their ability to trade chips with other teams, and no one should really hold it against them if they simply let this deadline pass without making a single deal.
Philly has a handful of veterans whom they can dangle away to other teams. Even better, they are on expiring deals, making them ideal trade candidates to allow the 76ers to snag an upgrade in the rotation or fetch some more assets which they can use for the future, such as draft compensation. However, the case is just as strong for the team to keep them given their importance to the group at this point in time.
The 76ers could buck the trend and not make a single swap before the trade deadline
Quentin Grimes, for example, has been a major target of fantasy trades among the fanbase. He has immensely struggled as of late, and the 76ers have more than enough cushion to justify trading him. Having said that, he is on an expiring deal anyway, and it is unlikely that other teams will pay a handsome price to get him for a possible two-month rental.
Another player who is reportedly on the trading block is Andre Drummond. As a lot of people have already pointed out, that simply does not make any sense for the 76ers, a team that required much more depth at the center position than other ball clubs. Given their rebounding woes, just the thought of trading him when his deal is up at the end of the season anyway should irk the Sixers faithful.
For some reason, some people also want Kelly Oubre Jr. to get traded. Obviously, he has become one of the most reliable players on the roster with his improved two-way game. The 76ers will likely want him back for the upcoming seasons, and dealing him likewise makes zero sense.
It is clear that while the 76ers have optimal players to trade, they can also no afford to lose them this season. If anything, the front office should savor the fact that they are able to enjoy their solid production at a reasonable cost. Even if they are flight risks come summer time, their win-now edict takes primacy. Put simply, this team should just calm down and stand pat.