Surprising big name predicted to end up with the 76ers this offseason

The Philadelphia 76ers have been pushing all possible buttons to get that much coveted third star and form a fearsome triumvirate to push them atop the pecking order in the East. However, thanks to their recent pull-out from one of the biggest names in the open market, they will now have to work double with securing the best fitting star available.

Daryl Morey has been linked to star forwards for the most part, but that is not the only position of need for the team. The 76ers, armed with the second-most cap space this offseason, should be able to easily leverage their airy pockets to net a blue-chip recruit in what could be a widespread bidding war this summer.

All-Star guard Dejounte Murray predicted to end up with the 76ers this offseason

Bleacher Report recently advertised a surprising name for Philadelphia — Dejounte Murray. The one-time All-Star has been in the rumor mill for quite some time now, and even though Atlanta’s posturing signals a predilection toward staying put with their current nucleus, it’s difficult to envision a scenario where they turn down a reasonable offer for the combo guard.

Murray, who turned in his best year as a pro during his final season in San Antonio before getting traded, has not been the ceiling-raising acquisition the Hawks have initially hoped. Despite sterling numbers, his synergy with Trae Young hasn’t been nearly enough to catapult Atlanta into the East’s upper echelon despite a Conference Finals appearance just two seasons ago.

A change fo scenery, however, could benefit both the Hawks and Murray. The 76ers have been openly in the hunt for a running mate in the backcourt for Tyrese Maxey, and Murray, at his very best, has the skill set that could best complement the breakout star.

Atlanta’s portentous lack of acuity on defense has influenced Murray on that end, but this was one of the league’s premiere stoppers at his position not too long ago. And as seen in his final hurrah with the Spurs, he can tenably function as a high-volume playmaker, During that season, he averaged 9.2 assists per game while coughing the ball up just 2.6 times per outing.

If Murray improved anything with the Hawks, though, it’s his three-point shooting and overall shot creation. In a more freewheeling offense, he’s grown leaps and bounds as a three-point shooter in addition to making a big jump as a finisher around the rim.

As long as Atlanta, which has a golden opportunity at a hard retool this summer with the No. 1 pick, would be willing for a discounted price, the 76ers trading for Dejounte Murray wouldn’t be the worst Plan B outcome this offseason, though more appealing and risk-averse options obviously exist