As the Philadelphia 76ers go through the motions of their unprecedented (terrible) start to the season, there is an increasing demand not only from the fanbase, but from pundits across the league, for the front office to once again tap into the market to go snag some external help to carry them out of their current misery.
While most teams with a record like theirs would have punted the season by now (see: New Orleans Pelicans), the 76ers do not have the luxury of just quitting. The Eastern Conference is ridiculously top-heavy to the point where the 76ers are just a couple of games away from 10th place despite being eight games under .500 and it’s still way too early into the present campaign. Moreover, Philly has only had a small sample size operating at full strength.
As a result, the 76ers are sure to come knocking as buyers in the trade market up to the deadline. When healthy, this team has what it takes to compete with the very best, and it’s really only a matter of finding the right complementary pieces to better connect their undeniable talent across the board.
The Philadelphia 76ers can get involved in a Jimmy Butler trade
One of the hottest commodities in the trade market as of the moment is Jimmy Butler. While the Heat have a winning record, they have completely stagnated, and the franchise has reportedly become amenable to the idea of trading him despite his agent’s blatant denial.
There are two ways the 76ers can get involved with their former player. The first one is pretty straightforward and intensely unrealistic — trading Paul George for Butler straight-up. The salaries would clearly work as both players are signed to maximum deals, but at this juncture, Miami trading for a similarly aging star would be counterintuitive to the most reprehensible degree.
The other way, however, is much more sensible. By using their minimum trade exception to absorb someone like Alec Burks, the 76ers can facilitate a deal involving Butler as a third team while not giving up anything and basically getting a veteran contributor who can potentially give them reinforcement in the backcourt.
ESPN proposed a trade framework like this:
While Philadelphia is technically only playing the role of enabler here, this trade is easily a win-win for them. Burks is a solid scorer in spurts who is especially lethal from downtown and has the veteran experience that can help the younger commodities on the roster.
The Philadelphia 76ers certainly have options, and leveraging all their assets, including those seemingly menial, would be key to them acing the market and helping their cause this season.