76ers predicted to explore trade for Lakers forward in 2024-25

The 2024-25 NBA season may still be more than a month away, but that will not stop the internet GMs from churning some unsolicited talking points en route to their favorite artificial rumors. The Philadelphia 76ers, never one to shy away from the limelight of the transaction tables, will certainly be a hot commodity in this regard.

After signing Guerschon Yabusele, the 76ers still have a tight wiggle room to make another move before training camp begins, though the front office has given signals that it would prefer to maintain that flexibility well into the regular season.

Well then, did the front office just invent its own magnet to attract rumors? Not yet, but one media outlet expects them to go after someone from the similarly rumor-frantic Lakers.

76ers predicted to explore trade for Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt next season

Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz recently put out a list of potential trade targets for every team next season, and one name he floated as a potential subject of pursuit for the 76ers is Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt.

Vanderbilt, 25, has been with the Lakers for nearly two seasons now and will be kicking off a four-year, $48 million deal in the upcoming campaign. After coming over from Utah, he has become a staple in LA as one of their designated defensive-minded sieges.

The Kentucky product’s calling card is defense as he touts great length and motor at forward. He can guard one through four and hold his own against post-centric operators, though his offense remains a big question mark in large part due to his sheer lack of a perimeter presence.

The 76ers, even after snagging Yabusele, still need some help at forward. However, it’s tough to envision the front office, particularly Daryl Morey, breaking the bank and absorbing a considerable contract of someone who may not be a good fit within the team’s dynamic.

There’s also the added red flag when it comes to his availability. He only played 29 games last season, and Philly porbably has had enough of role players whose playing status take the form of a Russian roulette.

In the same list, the 76ers were also projected to make a trade for Georges Niang, a fan favorite who played for them for a couple of seasons. To be honest, he makes for a more sensible fit.