Why the 76ers should not trade for Eason
The 76ers have gone all-in this offseason, which begs the question: will the team really be best-served taking a gamble on relatively raw prospects when the window to contend for a championship has already been pried open?
There’s a very well-defined line between looking for an upgrade and banking on promise. Those lie on completely different dimensions. While Tari Eason would definitely mitigate some of the team’s most pressing needs, the price the 76ers would have to pay, at least in this scenario, does not have the makings of a mere upgrade, especially one on the margins.
Eason, despite his obvious strengths, has similarly obvious weaknesses that need time to develop and hone further. The 76ers, frankly, don’t have the luxury of time to keep on being a breeding ground, especially when they could simply consolidate their assets for the future to secure a more proven players who don’t come with the attendant asterisk. We haven’t even mentioned his injury woes, something Philly cannot afford to have anymore.
At his juncture, it would be counterintuitive and un-Daryl Morey if the 76ers make a big swing for Tari Eason. While he’s indeed a promising forward, he’s much better of staying in Houston, a team that still values him highly. Philly should keep holding its draft capital for something bigger and more secure.
Grade: C+