This year’s trade deadline ended in a pretty eventful fashion. Lots of teams, like the Philadelphia 76ers, certainly chose to be trigger-happy on the transaction tables this time, leading to a slew of blockbuster trades and unexpected swaps that transpired in the lead-up to the annual chaos. As a result, the playoff race could get similarly unpredictable from here on out.
Accounting for themselves, the 76ers have also undergone considerable changes, especially on the margins. While the core remained intact — regardless whether the front office did so intentionally or not — it could get some more gelling for the team to synergize, especially for those coming off the bench.
Losing Caleb Martin, KJ Martin, and Reggie Jackson, Philly has some void to fill up. While Quentin Grimes and Jared Butler project as functional, higher-ceiling gets, the 76ers will need so much more to inch closer to the playoffs and actually make noise therein. Fortunately for them, the buyout market should be littered with players that can help them to that effect.
4 Buyout candidates the Philadelphia 76ers should look out for
4. Tre Jones
Philly’s playmaking void this season cannot be stated enough. To compensate, they could pivot to Tre Jones, who was just traded to the Bulls in the De’Aaron Fox trade. The younger Jones, while not as compelling as his brother in Phoenix, is a reliable pace-setter who can definitely break down defenses with his speed while also being one of the best floor generals when it comes to ball security.
3. Marvin Bagley III
After getting shipped to Memphis, the former second overall pick is not expected to stay put. But with the 76ers needing another big man, taking a flier on the 26-year-old could be a good, understated play. Despite his lack of court time in recent seasons, he is still a talented finisher, and being around a veteran team could help polish his defense and rebounding.
2. Bojan Bogdanovic
The Croatian was already on the 76ers’ radar last season before he was dealt to the Knicks. He is expected to be a prime buyout candidate as he has yet to play for the Nets, and with Philly losing both Martins, Bogdanovic could be an even better replacement than those two combined thanks to his sharpshooting and shot creation, in addition to his playoff experience.
1. Malcolm Brogdon
Reiterating Philadelphia’s need for playmaking help, a more attractive option for them would be Malcolm Brogdon, who is standing as a clear misfit in Washington. His injury history makes him a scary bet for playoff teams, but that could also bode well for the 76ers, as it would make him a much less expensive option despite being a solid and versatile guard for a decade now.