Not to sound like a broken record (although we do), but the Philadelphia 76ers have become tha darlings of the rumor mill in recent weeks. Owing to their enviable cap situation and overall market pull, the franchise finds itself in a position few teams would ever enjoy.
The expectation is that the 76ers would undergo a drastic roster turnover, something Daryl Morey already admitted. In relation to that, which rumors would hold up as realistic and believable at this juncture?
1. Would the 76ers be willing to spend big on OG Anunoby?
Despite the bequeathed short-termness of the vision behind trading for OG Anunoby, who was a near-guarantee to decline his player option and enter free agency, New York deeply wanted the one-time NBA champion as a part of their core. However, it seems like he isn’t 100 percent committed to the Knicks just yet.
In light of those whispers of Anunoby testing the free agency waters, the 76ers have become forecasted as one of the most sensible destinations for the 26-year-old. Philly outlets have echoed the same sentiment, with the forward also regarded as the team’s Plan B should they miss out on Paul George, who has long been linked to the team.
One of the league’s best role players, Anunoby has the pedigree and the gravitas to demand a considerable lump sum in the open market. Few players tout the kind of defensive prowess he has, and his reliable tertiary shooting has made him a pretty incorporable piece to any team. Philadelphia, which would rely greatly on having Anunoby on board, should be ecastatic should it manage to steal him away from the giant clasps of the Big Apple.
Verdict: Buy on the 76ers being deeply interested on Anunoby
2. Where does Philadelphia stand on the Paul George balance beam?
Rumors circulating around Paul George have been as mercurial as they can possible be. One day, the 76ers are deemed the runaway favorites to sign the All-Star in free agency. The following day, the Clippers are considered locks to re-secure his long-term commitment to the franchise despite his (and the team’s) lack of success.
Truth be told, the latter is more believable than the former. George, who’s probably carefully feeling out the market for what’s likely to be his last big payday, is actually more likely to stay in LA. After all, it is his home city, and him departing from the place he sought to play in for so long would be quite counterintuitive, especially considering his age.
Nevertheless, the 76ers have justifiable reasons to truly believe that they can rival the Clippers in the George sweepstakes. The All-Star would undeniably be a perfect fit in Philly next to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, and the franchise is one of the very few teams that can tender him a max contract which could be elusive for him at this point in his career.
Verdict: Buy on the 76ers aggressively pursing George, sell on them being the “runaway” favorites
3. Are the 76ers a realistic destination for Donovan Mitchell?
Following Cleveland’s (undersatndable) demise in the playoffs, the Cavaliers seem headed to a state of flux. They already fired their head coach, but perhaps the biggest wrinkle that could get highlighted by their recent situation is the future of Donovan Mitchell with the franchise.
With Mitchell still walking around as a giant question mark for the Cavs, the 76ers have been listed among the teams which could reportedly express interest in trading for the All-Star. While his current lack of willingness to pen an extension makes him a potentially helluva expensive rental, Philadelphia has the apt brazenness (thanks to Morey and co.) to make a play on him regardless.
But in all honesty, it’s a bit difficult to envision a scenario where the 76ers and Mitchell would be able to secure a handshake agreement. His camp has already been unceratin of his fit next to Cleveland’s slew of fringe stars, and trying to shoehorn him into a more crowded pecking order in Philadelphia could be something he won’t warm up to.
Verdict: Sell on the 76ers being a realistic option for Mitchell
4. Can Philly reunite with and steal Jimmy Butler from Miami?
Miami almost seemed as if it winged this season. Coming off an NBA Finals appearance last season, the Heat barely made it out of the play-in tournament before getting gentleman swept by the Boston Celtics. The messier aftermath is Jimmy Butler, amid an injury, taunting their first-round slayers, and eventually getting called out publicly by none other than Pat Riley.
Riley’s valid histrionics has undoubtedly put a dent on what was initially thought to be a lasting partnership. Instead, the longtime executive has made it clear that Butler would have to earn his desired extension, first by being healthy to actually be in the hardwood.
In the middle of those rumors, Philadelphia was rumored to be a possible trade destination for Butler should the water break loose. Does it really make sense for the All-Star, though? After his not-so-cozy departure from the city in 2019, it seems unlikely that the 76ers will be able to reunite with him. Heck, the odds of him ultimately re-upping with Miami despite all the drama are probably higher.