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.
4. Kelly Olynyk
Center play behind Joel Embiid was easily one of the biggest gripes on the 76ers this season, as a lack thereof was the main propeller behind their freefall after the then-MVP’s lengthy injury-related absence. Heading into the summer, the front office has to secure the services of someone who can back Embiid up and slide into a bigger role when needed. At this point, it’s more than just due diligence.
Free agency might be their desired route to fill the spot, but the trade market should amplify the 76ers’ range of vision here. One name they can take a look at is Raptors big man Kelly Olynyk, the 11-year veteran who managed to carve out a very niche, yet valuable role for himself this season en route to a well-earned extension.
Olynyk is far unlike any backup big man the 76ers have had in years, as he doesn’t profile as your conventional center. Instead, he’s a polished, offensive-minded think tank with an uncanny knack for facilitating from both the high and low post. His rebounding and defensive issues aside, the Canadian remains a rangy big man versatile enough to be banked on as a reliable high-minutes sub, or shoehorned as a power forward in bigger configurations.
3. Duncan Robinson
While not detrimental this season, bolstering Philadelphia’s 22nd-ranked three-pointers made per outing could give their lethal offense another layer poisonous gear. Enter Duncan Robinson, Miami’s resident gunner who flashed more variance to his skill set during their campaign, resulting in some love for the Most Improved Player plum.
Long deemed to be next in the line of overpaid shooting specialists, Robinson managed to force crack new layers to his game this season. The offensively challenged Heat didn’t provide him with the most ideal of platforms to showcase his skills, but the 30-year-old sharpshooter thrived not only as one of their best shooters, but also as one of their best cutters and rim-runners and one of their better passers.
Miami, in its ever-persistent trek to pluck the next big star, would welcome some cap relief, even if it means cutting ties with the much-improved Robinson. In turn, Philly would be the recipient of the sharpshooter’s frantic offensive game. Imagine the new wrinkles his off-ball movement and shooting would add to Nick Nurse’s free-moving offense.
2. Keldon Johnson
San Antonio finds itself in an interesting position. Having already secured a GOAT-caliber player to spearhead their franchise in Victor Wembanyama, they now have the luxury of being able to accelerate their rebuild, or continue slow-cooking it to maximize their shot at regaining their long-term glory.
However, one player who could be on the fences is Keldon Johnson, the oldest player on their perceived core. After three years as a full-time starter and being their leading scorer last season, Johnson found himself realigned to a bench role, a testament to his ancillary position in the Spurs’ long-term plans and more importantly, his not-fo-snug fit next to Wemby and company.
Having said that, Johnson could be worth taking a gamble on if you’re the 76ers. He’s on a reasonable contract, and his bulldozing offense and average three-point shooting could shine in a defined role next to more veteran commodities in Philly. His defense needs a lot of work, but with Kelly Oubre Jr. departing, Johnson could be the next high-usage bench player/quasi-starter to find a solid footing in Philadelphia.
1. Lauri Markkanen
Quite a leap we did there, huh? Of course, this list can’t not end with a star-laden exclamation. Still somehow one of the less popular stars force-fed into trade discussions, Lauri Markkanen would simply be the dream trade acquisition for most teams, and that includes the third star-thirsting Philadelphia 76ers.
Utah is currently firm on its no-trade stance with the All-Star, but it’s only matter of time for the franchise to realizr that they have no other viable ways to truly rebuild with Markkanen still in the fold. He’s too good to supercharge a tank job, but he’s not enough to push them over the playoff hump. Alas, their front office is advertently refusing to give him help. Go figure.
Philadelphia, however, can offer Utah a surfeit of draft picks without having to burden them with salaries in return. The most reasonable path for the Jazz is to keep stockpiling draft capital, and initiating that edict this offseason to preapre for a star-studded and jampacked 2025 NBA Draft, has a high probability of giving them a much brighter and sustainable long-term outlook.