December 15th typically begins the countdown to Christmas, but for NBA fans, it serves a different purpose.
This date allows teams to trade players who signed new contracts in the offseason, as 90% of players are now trade-eligible, Bobby Marks of ESPN noted on Monday morning. Now, Quentin Grimes is the only untradeable player on the Philadelphia 76ers’ roster, with Trendon Watford, Kyle Lowry, Eric Gordon and Justin Edwards available for trade.
When trade rumors inevitably hit the 76ers, these four players will likely be safe.
Watford is probably safe
Watford, who inked a two-year/$5.3 million contract on July 2nd, was Philadelphia’s lone free agent last summer. The 76ers acquired him to rebuild their power forward depth after losing Guerschon Yabusele to the New York Knicks, a choice that has aged well.
The 25-year-old averaged 8.9 points on 53.4% shooting from the field and 38.9% accuracy from beyond the arc, 4.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists through 14 games. Watford’s ball-handling, playmaking and ability to move without the ball have increased Philadelphia’s offensive versatility.
Despite missing the 76ers’ last eight games with a strained left adductor, he’ll likely survive the February 5th NBA trade deadline. Watford’s production is better than the average player making $2.5 million this year and not to mention, he and Tyrese Maxey are close friends.
The vets
Philadelphia retained Lowry and Gordon on veteran minimum deals for their leadership and experience. Lowry has essentially been an extension of Nick Nurse on a roster that is loaded with back-court talent, while Gordon has connected with VJ Edgecombe through their Bahamian roots.
In what could be Lowry’s last season of his 20-year career, he saw action in four games, totaling 1.5 points and 1.3 assists. Although his minutes have been sparse, the guard has made the right plays when called upon. Gordon suited up in four contests, serving as a spot-up shooter, tallying 4.2 points on 62.5% shooting from three-point range.
Both will likely stay in Philadelphia for the rest of the season.
The Edwards of it all
As a show of good faith, the 76ers declined Edwards’ team option and re-signed him to a three-year/$7 million contract on July 6th. The sophomore hasn’t lived up to their expectations, however, posting 5.6 points on 37.3% shooting from the field in 22 games.
Edwards surfaced as a diamond in the rough last season, showcasing flashes as a 3&D wing who could self-create in doses. The forward hasn’t displayed any of those traits this year, struggling to make open three-pointers, staying in front of his assignment and scoring off the dribble.
Still, Edwards is 21 years old with two-way upside on a team-friendly deal, despite his second-year woes. Unless the 76ers need to create a package for a needle-moving player, the Philadelphia native will likely stay home until the season’s end.