76ers will be in this tough spot until January 2025

Outside those intermittent and admittedly indefatigable injury updates on Joel Embiid and Paul George, the Philadelphia 76ers do not really have much going for them on the newsstands. The spin cycle has it that the franchise is embroiled in injuries anyway, and the same tale has been written all over again for this club, at least to begin the season.

Having said that, the majority of the NBA is stuck in the same mudflat, though only the internet GMs may feel that way. Still, it would be disingenuous not to admit that player movement is one big part of the thrill of an NBA season, and that is only augmented when your team is one known for shaking things up in grand fashion even in the middle of the campaign.

Unfortunately for the 76ers, the trade machine enthusiasts will have to wait until the next calendar year begins to truly get into the action.

The 76ers have to wait ‘til January to get the ball rolling on the trade market

While Philly has the liberty to start outlining the frameworks of potential trades as early as now, it doesn’t really make much sense for them to even consider trading most of their players. There is, however, someone whom they should certainly try to dangle in hopes of luring in a more solid contributor.

So, why January 2025? Well, KJ Martin cannot be traded until the 15th day of that month.

Martin, whom the 76ers almost certainly signed to a lofty extension during the offseason strictly for strategic purposes, is a walking salary-matcher right now. He does not play an indispensable role on the club, and basically, the front office is merely waiting for that trade restriction to be lifted to start making moves.

The young forward’s contract is a great kickstarter to conjure some trade scenarios involving high-end role players in the market. Reving it up with some pot sweeteners in the form of draft picks and other minimum deals could be just what is required for the 76ers to force their way into some appealing trade convos.

Using Martin’s salary, the front office can pursue role players who can fill a position of need for the team. At that point, the front office should already have a clear knowledge as to what needs are pressing and which areas need filling in, be it at the forward position or to bolster the depth behind Embiid.

For now, the Philadelphia 76ers will likley lie low, but come January 2025, specifically on the 15th, expect the rumor mill to heat up around the franchise.