Grade the Trade: 76ers acquire All-Star PG in proposed blockbuster deal

Why the 76ers should trade for Dejounte Murray

One of the more latent deficiencies of this 76ers roster is the lack of scoring threats in the backcourt aside from Tyrese Maxey. De’Anthony Melton can score in spurts, but he’s shooting a measly 39.7 percent from the field and opposing defenses have been more than happy letting him take a lot of shots on a nightly basis. Patrick Beverley is no offensive savant and is on the court for his defense. Kelly Oubre Jr. fits better as a wing.

Clearly, the front office should look into tapping the trade market for a more eclectic running mate to Maxey in the backcourt — giving the 76ers some legroom to work their way into the Dejounte Murray sweepstakes.

Murray, an All-Star with the Spurs in 2022, has made a reputation for himself as a two-way force who can score on all three levels, facilitate on a high volume with minimal mishaps, and defend the perimeter with ease. These are three traits that should fit incredibly well next to Embiid and Maxey, giving the 76ers a bona fide third option who has ample experience carrying the offense on his own, unlike Tobias Harris, the 76ers’ de facto tertiary recourse.

Giving up two expiring deals, a seldom-used guard, and two first-rounders (one of which is not as sterling as it seems) should also be a fair price to pay, especially with the 27-year-old still in the books until 2028 (with a player option on the final year).