The Philadelphia 76ers feel stuck after disastrous season. They acquired Paul George to improve their title odds, but nothing went as planned in a 24-win campaign that snapped a streak of seven straight playoff appearances. The Sixers are trapped by the massive contracts of Joel Embiid and PG to go with significant injury histories. There may only be one saving move.
Kevin Durant trade rumors are already circulating after the Suns' disaster season. Phoenix is looking to dodge the dreaded second apron and sending KD packing may be their only hope. The veteran will want to join a contender, and the 76ers are committed to being one.
This is a dream scenario because it gives Philly renewed life and allows them to move one of the two massive contracts weighing down their books. Crazier things have happened and landing Durant won’t be easy given the financial restrictions in place.
Kevin Durant is an absolute dream target for the 76ers
KD averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 36.5 minutes per game this season. The 36-year-old has shown zero signs of slowing down, including shooting 52.7 percent from the field and 43.0 percent on his threes. He is one of the best scorers in the world and would give Philly a floor spacing four.
This move presents a larger opportunity for the Sixers. They could dump Paul George on the Suns and be ready to contend. Philly would still have Embiid injury questions, but those are lessened with Durant and Maxey playing like stars. PG hasn’t played like one since arriving in Philadelphia, and it has shrunk the franchise’s floor and ceiling.
The market for Durant will be colder than fans expect. He turns 37 in September and enters the final year of his contract making $54.7 million. Acquiring him likely means extending him until he reaches 40. That is a massive risk for any franchise, but the Sixers already face it. Upgrading to KD would take zero thought, even if Morey didn’t chase every star available.
Imagine Durant, Maxey, and a healthy Embiid sharing the floor. It could quickly turn their outlook from nightmare to hopeful. It would cost the Sixers most or all of their available draft capital. That creates a massive risk for an aging roster with injury concerns, but backs are against the wall. The 76ers cannot fail again, which means Morey and the front office will be all-in.
Kevin Durant wearing a Philadelphia 76ers uniform is something fans have dreamed about for years. It could finally become reality this offseason and save the franchise’s title hopes. Do not get your hopes up, but Morey has pulled off wilder trades. This is the 76ers were talking about. Anything can happen.