The trade deadline is almost here, and just like that, the Philadelphia 76ers are back in the rumor mill. After a long while of being an idle customer in rumored trades and whatnot, one market whisper now have them as a potential trade partner for a Western Conference contender — the Houston Rockets led by Kevin Durant.
With Houston losing Steven Adams for the year, they are rumored to be on the lookout for 76ers veteran Andre Drummond. The 76ers have slowly phased the former All-Star out of the rotation, which makes him a prime candidate to get moved before the deadline. But in doing so, they might have just opened a window (albeit a tiny one) to possibly get their hands on a dream trade target — Tari Eason.
Realistically speaking, there is very little shot that the Rockets part with him. He has emerged as a starter for them this season, and his defensive malleability and improved three-point shooting have become way too valuable for their lengthy squad. Having said that, he is an impending restricted free agent who is expected to command a significant pay raise.
The 76ers can now force their way into getting Tari Eason if Rockets trade rumors are true
Why would Houston even consider dealing Eason to Philly? Well, it’s not because they will get the hankering to do so, but because the 76ers have some pieces they really need in the present.
Aside from Drummond, who fits them like a glove, the 76ers have a couple of players who can entice the Rockets. Jared McCain, for example, might just be the scoring guard they desperately need to galvanize their stagnant (yet largely effective) offensive design. Quentin Grimes is another cog who can elevate their floor on the scoring end amid a brutal race out West.
Eason, who packs a lot of size as a wing defender who can basically guard all positions, would be tailor-made for the 76ers. As said, he is a versatile player on both ends, and his offensive game has grown to the point where he can no longer be ignored on the court thanks to his much-improved three-point stroke.
So far, there has been no indications about the Rockets being conducive to the thought of trading Eason. However, with Houston reportedly eyeing the 76ers as a trade partner, one can only be gleeful at the prospect of him being a talking point to some degree — and for the right offer (which Philly can extend).