Depending on how the upcoming season goes for the unpredictable Philadelphia 76ers, team president and notorious name-hunter Daryl Morey could take matters into his own hands and dip his experienced fingers into some unexplored trade possibilities. And of course, that includes him gatecrashing into some areas widely believed to be closed to the public.
Of course, there is that eventuality where the 76ers manage to surprise everyone by outdoing themselves and making those puny preseason expectations look like gross insults in hindsight. This team does have the talent to make everyone eat their words.
However, the reality of the situation is that this squad is in a state of flux. Heck, given their waning title window, next season is basically a make-or-break campaign, meaning that a lack of success, even early on, will compel the front office to be more active in pursuing a real roster facelift.
And knowing Morey, he will probably want to get his hands on an established All-Star in order to remain faithful to the franchise’s win-now disposition, which has been going on for almost a decade now.
The 76ers land Devin Booker in this wild trade proposal
As they usually do, Bleacher Report recently came up with some blockbuster trade ideas, and of course, the 76ers were one of the teams in the spotlight.
In one of their trade pitches, the 76ers were to acquire All-Star guard Devin Booker froim the Suns for a return package consisting of Paul George, Jared McCain, and three future first-round picks, dated 2028, 2029, and 2031.
Fans immediately questioned the fact that the media outlet branded such a bold trade concept as a “realistic” swap, but is it really that far-flung from the realm of reality? Call it wishful thinking, but there is definitely a possibility that the stars will align and make that plausible.
The Suns are in an even more nebulous situation than the 76ers, and while Booker has not requested a trade yet, it is only a matter of time until the franchise’s lack of consistency and constant disappointments give him the itch to seek greener pastures.
And with Phoenix in dire need of a way to recoup their draft capital, a package like what the 76ers would theoretically proffer in that trade concept definitely deserves well more than scant consideration.
George is a non-factor at this point, but McCain and three first-round picks is a good package. The Suns could get more from an even more desperate team, but with teams getting more careful when it comes to trading for expensive stars, the 76ers might end up being one of the few teams that can be a viable trade partner.
It would take a striking shot of kismet for the 76ers to even get into that table, but at this point, who knows? The Suns are in a very vulnerable position themselves, and soon enough, they ought to have little choice than to part with their superstar.