Even an active trade deadline slate could not help the Philadelphia 76ers rise from the ashes. Now touting a 20-32 record with only 30 games left to play, they are now clearly racing against the clock to qualify for the postseason. While they are only a hair under the 10th-seeded Bulls, it has been literally months since they were stuck in that position.
The 76ers have their complete big three back (at least for now), but it has not been nearly enough to counteract the effects of the team losing a big chunk of its depth after trading away three rotation players in Caleb Martin, KJ Martin, and Reggie Jackson.
As a result, the front office should now be looking forward to plucking out some rotation-ready players off the buyout markets. They have a slew of options to choose from, and the new rules are more favorable to them this time around. Honestly speaking, the front office has little room to make a major blunder on the buyout markets.
Struggling team rumored to be gatekeeping ideal 76ers buyout target
Unfortunately, the buyout market is also dependent on teams actually being amenable to letting some fo their misfits go. And to that effect, the 76ers could already miss out on one of the most coveted buyout candidates.
According to The Athletic’s David Aldridge, Washington intends to keep Malcolm Brogdon on the roster in order to serve as a veteran for the team’s young holdovers — a surprising development given that the Wizards have nothing to play for and the veteran will be a free agent anyway.
Brogdon has been posting relatively meager numbers this season, but that should be chalked up to the Wizards having different priorities this season. He is just a season removed from being a productive high-end role player, and given the right situation, he can still be a great floor-raiser in the backcourt.
The 76ers, in dire need of playmaking and more scoring off the bench, would greatly benefit from having someone like Brogdon in the fold. When healthy, he is a steady two-way contributor thanks ot his shooting, basketball IQ, and defense thanks to his size.
It is definitely perplexing to see Washington gatekeep him for now, but the moment the team slightly opens the door for takers, the 76ers should pounce on the opportunity to snag him for cheap.
The Philadelphia 76ers still have time to catch up to some of the teams above them, but they will have to do so with the front office helping them out roster-wise. Malcolm Brogdon, given his current waned value, would be a great, under-the-radar get that could help them qualify for the playoffs.