Ever since Jake Fischer reported that there has been buzz around the Philadelphia 76ers exploring trades with Kelly Oubre Jr. and Andre Drummond, many have fired up the trade machines. One trade proposal stood out above the rest, so much so, that it was promptly disproven.
Sacramento radio personality Carmichael Dave shot down the idea of a trade brewing between the 76ers and Sacramento Kings involving Oubre on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, Friday. This is seemingly in response to Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report’s article from September 8th, which discussed the idea of these teams swapping Oubre for Dario Saric
“I have been told that that is just completely and totally fabricated,” Dave said. “No, no talks at all – made up. Not saying it did come from Philly, but it didn’t come from here.”
It kind of makes sense
Still, Bailey’s rationale came from the right place. The 76ers would shed Oubre’s $8.4 million salary for Saric, who makes $3 million less and fills a positional need at power forward. Philadelphia’s reason for reportedly wanting to part ways with Oubre and, or Drummond is to remain under the first tax apron when Quentin Grimes is re-signed.
Regardless, it would be unwise for the 76ers to do this trade from a value standpoint as Saric is 31 years old and doesn’t fit the athletic criteria they have sought after. Philadelphia should aim to dispose of Drummond’s $5 million contract rather than lose Oubre for nothing or acquire a player of worse caliber if it can be avoided.
Enter Keegan Murray
But, there is one player from the Kings who would make sense for the 76ers – Keegan Murray. While landing Murray is more of a pipedream, he’d be a sound addition to Philadelphia from both a positional and younger lens.
Murray is a 25-year-old forward who has spent three seasons in Sacramento. He’s averaging 13.3 points per game on 57.2% true-shooting and 6.7 rebounds in his budding career. Murray thrives most operating off the ball and his strength allows him to be a versatile defender.
He experienced a down year of sorts having to share the court with two non-floor-spacers in Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan. His efficiency decreased across the board and he posted nearly less than three points per game compared to the 2023-24 season.
What would a trade look like?
If the Kings’ reported interest in Jonathan Kuminga is legitimate and they acquire him through a sign-and-trade, it would leave Murray with little pathway to be maximized. The 76ers could then package Oubre, Drummond, and some of their collection of future first-round picks for Murray. The 25-year-old is on an expiring contract of $11 million and will enter restricted free agency next season.
Again, Philadelphia landing Murray is more on the unrealistic side. If the 76ers managed such a feat, they’d clear ample wiggle room to re-sign Grimes to a lucrative contract while remaining under the first tax apron.
This move would also confirm that Philadelphia is in win-now mode, but Murray also extends its timeline. A tandem of Murray, Grimes, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George is capable of being the best team in the Eastern Conference.