The Philadelphia 76ers have arguably been the biggest winners of free agency so far with their flurry of signings that instantly catapulted them into the tier of elite contenders in the league. While the job’s not yet done, even at this juncture, any rational mind would hoist the franchise up as a success story this offseason.
As you already know though, their newfound success can be a bit alienating, especially since last season was one riddled with questions coming from everywhere. One move in particular was a huge mistake, and a rumored trade close to its finishing touches is an admission that the 76ers indeed made a miscalculation.
76ers admit huge mistake as they inch closer to shocking Buddy Hield trade
According to the latest on the free agent market, the Warriors are finalizing a sign-and-trade that would net them Buddy Hield from the 76ers. Philly has not been reported to have any interest in bringing the veteran sharpshooter back, and it seems like Golden State is zeroing in on him as a replacement for Klay Thompson, who has now departed the franchise.
Thanks to his regressed play last season, especially in the playoffs, there was a realistic chance that the 76ers can re-sign Hield on a relative discount. However, that has been far from reality, with the front office even facilitating his exit and foray into the Western Conference.
Philadelphia flipped a total of three second-round picks to obtain Hield at the trade deadline in a three-team trade with Indiana and San Antonio, and it’s safe to say that the move didn’t pan out. It was certainly a short-sighted one, albeit by design, but that the team had to dangle away all those assets ultimately proved to be a mistake.
Hield became unplayable when it mattered the most, and the 76ers basically realized they traded for a half-season rental of a player who only played well before the All-Star break. Thankfully, this has become one of the impetuses behind the front office avoiding one-dimensional players this summer as they create a legitimate title contender.
As of speaking, the trade hasn’t been finalized just yet with Hield still needing to come to full terms with the Warriors on his contract. But either way, the 76ers are now fully prepared to admit that trading for him was a mistake.