The Philadelphia 76ers need to maintain some level of flexibility this season. After one of the most active offseasons in recent NBA memory, the Sixers need to be ready to make adjustments. Though they have a ton of talent on paper, that doesn’t always mean it’s going to work in practice. That’s why they need to be ready to make moves.
As of now, the Sixers have 14 players on the roster, two two-way guys, and a training camp player. That’s the way it should stay. Obviously, they don't want to go over the first apron (they are $1.8 million below), but they should also want to stay flexible. Keeping 14 players on the roster instead of 15 will be very valuable for the 76ers, as it could help them facilitate some trades, especially when the trade deadline comes around.
In order for the Sixers to maintain the max amount of flexibility on the trade market, keeping 14 players on the roster instead of 15 would be smart.
76ers should keep open roster spot to maintain trade flexiblity
Inevitably, the 76ers are going to be involved in the trade scene come February. Even if they are the best team in the NBA, they could look to make some smaller moves (or at least one smaller move).
The Sixers’ starting lineup is pretty much set. Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid. Those are the guys Philly is almost definitely going to roll with heading into the season.
But the bench isn’t ideal. The Sixers have some okay defensive pieces, but their second unit doesn’t exactly look like the type of group ready to help compete for a championship.
Anfernee Simons is a solid three-point shooter and secondary creator. Dean Wade is a 3-and-D specialist who can guard good players. Outside of that, Philly doesn’t have much.
Guys like Dominick Barlow, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Ariel Hukporti, Labaron Philon Jr., and Adem Bona could be okay, but they aren’t necessarily as proven (or, in KCP’s case, a bit over the hill).
So, by the time the trade deadline comes around, the 76ers may want to consider flipping some pieces for other areas of need, and having an extra roster spot available would keep their options flexible.
Maybe they would want to add more consistent three-point shooting at the wing or forward spot. Maybe they would want more center depth behind Embiid (they should). Maybe some of their bench pieces won’t be working out by then.
Having an open roster spot will help the 76ers maintain enough roster flexibility to make some trades around the deadline.
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