5 Sleeper trade targets the 76ers should pursue this offseason

The Philadelphia 76ers, like the other 28 teams, are still awaiting the result of the yet-to-commence 2024 NBA Finals to formally begin the offseason, though it’s probably disingenuous to peg the franchise as an idle operator even without a bona fide green light to shove them right into the transaction tables.

Armed with more cap space than all but one team alongside their treasure trove of draft picks, the 76ers have the kind of optionality they need to make drastic changes to the roster. So far, they’ve been linked to all the big names expected to be available for taking, but here are five sleeper trade targets they could set their sights on this offseason.

5. Cole Anthony

Four backcourt players (not counting Tyrese Maxey) on the team’s usual rotation from this season are set to hit free agency, and at this juncture, it’s a long shot that the 76ers would keep them all. Aside from getting through the tricky part of figuring out the financial repercussions, the front office will surely prefer to get an upgrade on their guard play around Maxey.

An understated name Philly could make a play for is Orland Magic guard Cole Anthony, who has already been a frequent entry for the team in contrived trades. The 24-year-old has remained a key part of their attack, but has seens his role decrease, averaging a career-low in minutes per game this season.

The 76ers could just be the team he needs for a second wind. Despite Anthony’s diminished serving of court time, his two-way impact remains a valuable asset to any team, more so for a team like Philadelphia whose backcourt play needs more stability. A natural combo guard, the UNC alum is a stout perimeter defender who can more than hold his own on single coverages and a much-improved shooter who can initiate drive-and-kick actions adn capably function as a play finisher himself.