The Sixers need to decide whether they’re willing to part with an asset to speed up the rebuilding process, writes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. The physical and shot-related problems affecting first-round pick Markelle Fultz have left Philadelphia without a guard who can provide a scoring boost off the bench. There are two obvious targets in the Grizzlies’ Tyreke Evans and the Clippers’ Lou Williams, but neither will come cheap.
A league source tells Pompey the Sixers are interested in Evans, while reports have also linked them to Williams, who started his career in Philadelphia. The Celtics and other teams are targeting the same players, which may increase the asking price. The Hawks’ Marco Belinelli is a lower-cost option who could also provide bench scoring, and all three have expiring contracts, so they won’t affect future cap space.
Pompey says the Sixers shouldn’t be willing to give up a first-rounder for any of the three players because of their position in the standings. Stuck at .500 through the first 50 games of the season, Philadelphia is unlikely to be a title contender, and Evans, Williams or Belinelli won’t change that. He suggests holding onto first-rounders in case they’re needed for a larger trade in the future.
There’s more from the Atlantic Division:
- Sixers center Joel Embiid is showing no ill effects after playing in back-to-back games for the first time in his career, according to an ESPN report. Embiid played 34 minutes Saturday after logging 31 minutes Friday, marking a significant milestone in a career defined by injuries. “I felt great,” Embiid said. “My legs weren’t tired. My body was fine. I could feel it just a little bit. But I was fine.” Embiid has already played 39 games, surpassing the total of 31 from last year in what was technically his rookie season.
- Nets forward DeMarre Carroll has been mentioned as a trade target, but he wants to stay in Brooklyn, relays Brian Lewis of The New York Post. Carroll’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, told him several teams have expressed interest in a deal, but nothing is definite. “He talked to [GM] Sean [Marks] and they value me a lot here,” Carroll said. “You really don’t know what’ll happen. He just told me stay focused and continue to keep on doing well. I’m old enough I understand rumors are rumors. Until somebody calls and I’m shipping up out of here, continue to keep playing great basketball for the Brooklyn Nets.”
- The Raptors should wait until after the trade deadline to upgrade their roster, writes Doug Smith of The Toronto Star. Toronto has been carrying an open roster spot all season and has the chance to do well in the buyout market without giving up an asset.
Give me Marco and Ersan pls. Amir Johnson and a pair of 2nd rounders?
Throw in Bayless too. He’s straight trash. If BC can get rid of his minutes and money, that’s a bonus.
It works well for both sides. Philly gets shooting and Atlanta gets Johnson’s expiring deal, I think one more year of Bayless and 2 picks. I’d do it if I’m Colangelo or the Atlanta GM
Why does Phil need 2 more picks?
They are trading the picks in this scenario
Bel and Ersan are expiring deals, 2 2nds is the pot sweetener. Only reason the do the trade. Pho has a few I think Theirs, Houston’s, and 2 more.
Dude plays no defense, turns it over every time he puts the ball on the floor, and jacks up dumb shots and misses. Bye Felicia. Waste of money I would’ve rather seen them bring back Sergio at least he passed the ball well.
Pls don’t. Sergio was so reckless.
Trade doesn’t work. Need to add another player from Atlanta for it to work. 12M vs 20M
It would be worth the 1st to add to the bench and subtract Bayliss’ salary for next season.
Team’s not a lock for the playoffs,but should try to position the team to get there,and try to jump up the standings.Get the right matchup,maybe they can sneak into the 2nd round. Could still end up with the Lakers pick,and even if not,the extra salary cap space and 3 2nds still leave us enough to add this offseason.
Lakers pick currently converts. 9th.
Keep in mind that Colangelo already sacrificed a future lottery pick to move up and draft Fultz, used another one to take Fultz and dealing one now would amount to three first rounders plus $23mil spent on Redick all to essentially address ONE position of need AND Evans and Williams are both FAs after the season. At what point does ownership come to realize that Colangelo has no clue what he’s doing?
That’s hard to agree with. You have the corner stones. Fultz is currently leaning toward bust but if he’s not thane add him in the mix. They sign a solid 4 and great depth, they become regulars in the playoffs. I’d wait for Fultz to get back before I’m coming after Colangelo.
Your solid 4 is Dario. He is slightly less efficient this year, but if you put someone like Ersan behind him, pulled back his minutes a little, i think you’ve got something.
Bring back Hinkie. Let the man finish what he started.
I don’t like Colangelo. He is shady, especially with his injury reports. I have a feeling I’m one dumb trade away from hating him completely. Stop trading picks away unless you are getting a superstar. This draft is really deep in the top 5 or so guys have serious talent with Begley, Porter and Bamba.
coleangelo was league appointed basically.
Evans and Williams are the same player. Both chucker on a bad team. Evans grabs some boards, a little more all around. But neither is worth a 1st round pick.
I’m talking about trading 1 pick to lose salary and add to the bench. And if we get into the 2nd round of the playoffs,that pick will end up in the 20s. Redick and Fultz would have nothing to do with this move,other than being teammates with whoever we acquired.6ers picks are done ending up top 10,we have 2 franchise players in place,what matters now is how we surround them.