The Philadelphia 76ers need reinforcements. They are 2-12 and their team meeting to clear the air did not stop them from losing a fifth straight contest. Paul George is dealing with another knee injury and the franchise is bordering on a lost season.
Daryl Morey remade the Sixers roster over the summer. He signed George in free agency and added several role players to round things out. The team’s unfamiliarity and lack of consistent rotations have hurt them in the early going. Fans questioned why the 76ers signed KJ Martin to a two-year $16 million contract this offseason, but it was to create a matching salary in trade. Philly is over the first tax apron and unable to take back more money than they send out in a deal.
Morey should already be making calls as the Sixers have the worst record in the NBA, but what can Martin’s $7.9 million salary net the franchise? They will have to wait until Jan. 15 to deal Martin since he signed a fresh contract in the offseason. Here are five potential targets who could be available.
5. Tre Mann
Jared McCain’s breakout gives Philadelphia two undersized guards in their backcourt, but the 76ers are currently 30th in offensive rating. They desperately need more offensive punch in the games without their star players, and Mann is proving he can fill it up.
The 23-year-old averages 14.8 points, 3.3 assists, and 3.0 rebounds in 24.8 minutes per game coming off the bench for the Hornets. He is shooting 45.0 percent from the field and 42.1 percent on his 3-point attempts. Mann creates shots and get buckets on his $4.9 million expiring contract.
This move does not solve the Sixers' woes, but it gives them more offensive punch. Head coach Nick Nurse would have to figure things out defensively, but Philadelphia cannot afford to be too picky.
4. Gary Harris
The 6’4 guard is off to a rough start in Orlando. He is shooting just 34.7 percent from the field and playing 16.5 minutes per game. The Magic are giving more run to Anthony Black and added Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on the wing. Harris should not expect more minutes and may look to be traded elsewhere before the deadline.
Harris is known as a plus shooter and defender. He rated near league average each of the last two years in win shares per 48 minutes and could be an impactful bench piece on a contending roster. Harris has played over 60 games just three times in his first ten years in the NBA, but he would be an upgrade for the Sixers when healthy.
3. Malik Beasley
Morey loves his teams to launch from long range and try to win the math game, but the Sixers are 14th in 3-point attempts and 29th in percentage after 14 games. The only members of the nightly rotation shooting over 31 percent from three are Jared McCain, Guerschon Yabusele, and Kyle Lowry.
Beasley is a proven shooter on a one-year $6 million contract with the Pistons. He has made 39.3 percent to begin this season and is a career 38.5 percent 3-point shooter. Beasley can get buckets and space the floor.
His defense leaves plenty to be desired and makes it difficult to give him significant playoff minutes. Getting a floor spacing upgrade may outweigh those drawbacks for the struggling 76ers.
2. Ayo Dosunmu
Dosunmu is a role player several contenders will be targeting before the deadline. The Bulls have a crowded backcourt and are not serious challengers. Chicago should move multiple players to create more playing time for Coby White and Josh Giddey, especially if they believe those two are their backcourt of the future.
Dosumnu is 6’5 with a versatile skill set. He shot over 40 percent from 3-point range last season and is currently dishing out four dimes every night. The 24-year-old could become a two-way force in Philadelphia playing off the Sixers Big 3. He would take on difficult perimeter defensive assignments and knock down corner threes.
This is the 76ers' best chance to land a difference-maker unless they can somehow convince the Warriors to trade from their unbelievable depth.
1. Jonathan Kuminga
Kuminga did not sign an extension with Golden State and will be a restricted free agent in the offseason. He has played fewer than 20 minutes in three consecutive games and is struggling to find his footing in Steve Kerr’s rotation.
The 6’8 forward is a subpar 3-point shooter but offers plenty elsewhere. He averaged 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 26.3 minutes per game last season. Many projected Kuminga to take over as the Dubs' second-leading scorer, but it has not happened. It feels like a split may be best for both sides at this stage.
The 22-year-old has immense potential and could blossom into a star. The Philadelphia 76ers need his size, athletic ability, and scoring. It would take time to adjust, but Jonathan Kuminga could save the Sixers season. Golden State is near the top of the West, so this deal would take a third team and likely a star upgrade for the Warriors. It is unlikely, but not impossible.
The Philadelphia 76ers will have KJ Martin on the trade block before the deadline. Can they find a difference-making deal that helps put their disastrous start behind them? It won’t be easy, but Daryl Morey and the front office have options. Who they acquire could have a massive impact, so stay tuned.