The Philadelphia 76ers are in the thick of contention. There was plenty of worry to begin the season as the James Harden drama drug on, but Daryl Morey found a deal and kept his team in the hunt. Tyrese Maxey becoming a star has been massive, and the front office needs to decide how to maximize their roster moving forward.
The Sixers are projected to have cap space in the offseason and several marquee free agents should be available. Does Philly try to add on the open market or pull off a blockbuster before the Feb. 8 trade deadline?
The 76ers will explore the trade market and are expected to make some kind of upgrade. They may just go for role players who improve their title odds and keep their offseason flexibility. If Morey decides to make a move, he will have to trade a current talent on their roster, but who could have a new home after the deadline?
6. Nicolas Batum
Batum has been fantastic for the Sixers since arriving from the Clippers. He is averaging 6.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 24.5 minutes per game over 19 contests. The veteran forward will not continue to shoot 55.3 percent from the field or 49.1 percent on his 3-point attempts, but he is the glue guy the 76ers needed.
The 35-year-old is retiring from the French National Team after the 2024 Olympics, but will he continue his NBA career? He is in the final year of his contract. The 76ers would love to keep him, but Batum may have other ideas.
Morey and the front office would prefer to move other talents, but they cannot let Batum’s expiring contract stand in the way of acquiring a third star. The veteran could be sent packing in the right trade, but fans should not consider it likely.