76ers might trade for $158.3 million Pelicans All-Star in December
The Philadelphia 76ers are off to a frustrating 1-7 start, but there’s a ton of season left, and MVP Joel Embiid hasn’t appeared in a game yet.
Furthermore, Philadelphia’s GM Daryl Morey is not done crafting this roster.
December 15 is a huge date for the 76ers because that’s when over half of their roster becomes trade-eligible again. Nine 76ers players in total have trade restrictions until then.
Once mid-December rolls around, you can expect Morey to be aggressive on the trade market to bring in reliable scoring, especially given the health histories of Embiid and Paul George.
NBA insider Jake Fischer recently reported on Philadelphia’s eagerness to include first-round draft picks in a trade.
“The Sixers are still willing and able to put first-round picks on the table for players that they will then have to go into the second apron to re-sign next summer,” Fischer said.
“They still have that flexibility. They are not in the second apron and still have opportunities to acquire players via trade, to aggregate salaries, etc.”
“I would still be mindful and considering the fact that the Philadelphia 76ers, (with) Daryl Morey, in particular, running this front office, has always said he does not look at his rosters as final come opening night, and there’s plenty of optionality, especially come trade deadline in February, to make some changes here.”
With the above in mind, Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans seems like the perfect trade deadline acquisition for Morey and the 76ers.
Ingram’s on an expiring $158.3 deal, meaning he fits the description of someone the 76ers could go into the second apron to re-sign next summer if they so choose.
Ingram also fits perfectly from a basketball standpoint. He provides instant offense, which Philadelphia could frankly use right now with Embiid and Maxey both sidelined and George getting his rhythm back.
On likely occasions when either Embiid or George are sidelined, Ingram could slide into that second- or third-option role behind Maxey and be a killer for the 76ers.
New Orleans would love nothing more than to acquire some first-round draft capital in exchange for Ingram, who they are going to lose for nothing in free agency if they fail to trade him this winter.
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