The Philadelphia 76ers remain idle ahead of a critical decision they must make with the 2025 NBA Draft just right around the corner, but the other teams definitely did not even bat an eye with the impending landmark event, dropping a huge bomb that sent shockwaves around the league.
Almost out of nowhere, the Orlando Magic went all-in on Desmond Bane, now formerly of the Memphis Grizzlies, dangling two key players in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony while also parting with not one, not two, but four future unprotected first-round picks and a pick swap to boot.
76ers fans were left pondering whether or not the market will turn out to be as lucrative as it did for the Magic and the Grizzlies. After all, Philly has some serious maneuvering to do this summer, and the looming threat of price gouging certainly cannot be ignored, especially after this development.
But instead of dwelling on the uncertainties, the 76ers must recognize a big opportunity which now presents itself following this major trade.
The 76ers can now go after Goga Bitadze as Orlando aims to shed salaries
In parting with Caldwell-Pope and that sheer volume of draft picks, the Magic made it clear that they are dead-serious about winning now. But aside from that, it was also apparent that Orlando is also eyeing to streamline their payroll and shed some salaries.
In that case, the 76ers now have a perfect trade target to go after this offseason — Goga Bitadze. The soon-to-be 26-year-old is coming off a very productive season where he proved himself to be a tenacious rim deterrent, board crasher, and inside finisher, but given Orlando’s current stance, he could find himself donning new colors next season via trade.
Philly, now finding it a strenuous task to find a viable backup and part-time starter at center for when Joel Embiid misses games, should view Bitadze as an ideal get. The numbers and the eye test all point to his positive impact on both ends, and his contract will not be difficult to match for the 76ers.
As long as the Magic seek to get some cap relief in light of their latest acquisition, their asking price for rotation players such as Bitadze should not reach the point where the 76ers could justifiably put out a hard no.
Hence, given the current status quo, the Philadelphia 76ers should seriously consider going after Goga Bitadze. He may not be the sexiest of names in the market, but boy does he get the job done on both ends.