Grade the Trade: 76ers land widely coveted point guard in proposed upgrade

Needing firepower in the playmaking department, the Philadelphia 76ers trade for this widely coveted point guard in this proposal.

Tyrese Maxey
Tyrese Maxey | Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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76ers trade for veteran point guard in proposed upgrade

In this pitched deal, the Philadelphia 76ers acquire guard Tyus Jones, big man Mike Muscala, and a 2026 second-rounder via the Bulls from the Eashington Wizards for veteran forward Robert Covington, wing KJ Martin, and a 2026 first-round pick (the least favorable between the Thunder, Rockets, and Clippers).

A popular trade candidate, Tyus Jones has remained the most efficient ball handler and passer in the league, leading all players in assist-to-turnover ratio for an absurd sixth straight season. The Wizards may have been absolute bonkers so far, but the heady point guard has still been as advertised. It’s no coincidence that Washington has him on the trade market ans has set a considerable price tag for prospective buyers.

Meanwhile, the 76ers haven’t had a consistent role for the veteran Covington, leading him straight to Nick Nurse’s dog house. With Nicolas Batrum, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Marcus Morris Sr. all playing ahead of him in the rotation, he and his expiring contract should be very easy to move. Ditto for KJ Martin, who was already rumored to be available for plucking.

What are the pros and cons of this trade for the 76ers? Let’s zoom in.

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