The Philadelphia 76ers finished the first half of the regular season with the best record in the Eastern Conference. Thanks to an MVP-caliber performance from four-time All-Star Joel Embid, the Sixers look ready to make noise come playoff time.
Embiid has been averaging an impressive 29.9 points, 11.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game before he was ruled out for two weeks due to a left knee bone bruise.
Aside from making sure Embiid is healthy enough for the playoffs, the Sixers must watch out for both the trade and buyout market to keep their roster competitive enough to come out of the East. Their conference is currently loaded up with superstars, especially with the Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks and even defending Eastern Conference champions Miami Heat just lurking below them in the standings.
Here’s who they can target before the trade deadline this March 25:
Kyle Lowry (Toronto Raptors)
The Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey reported that Kyle Lowry prefers to go to the Sixers if he decides to part ways with his current team, the Toronto Raptors. Lowry provides 3-point shooting, playmaking, leadership, playoff experience and veteran presence in the locker room. The 15-year veteran is currently averaging 18.1 points on 44.5 percent shooting from the field, 39.7 percent from downtown, along with 5.6 rebounds and 7.3 assists.
Lowry will pose as an offensive threat, which will give Embiid and Simmons more opportunities to do damage. Simmons can play more off ball while Embiid will be harder to contain with Lowry part of the offense.
According to Pompey’s sources, the Sixers and Raptors may be able to get this deal done. However, the Sixers will have to give up some picks, young players and veterans with expiring contracts like Matisse Thybulle and Danny Green. If Philly really wants to upgrade its offense and surround Embiid and Simmons with an All-Star point guard, then they should pursue Lowry this coming trade deadline.
Wayne Ellington (Detroit Pistons)
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, the Detroit Pistons are looking to trade veteran shooter Wayne Ellington for a second round pick. Ellington, a 42.2 percent shooter from deep this 2020-21, can spark the Sixers’ offense if the asking price is just a second round pick—something that the Sixers have in 2021, 2023 and 2024.
Ellington does his damage best on catch-and-shoot and pull-up-threes, which works efficiently under head coach Doc Rivers’ system. A versatile scorer for a second round pick is not bad at all, especially if this can help the Sixers come playoff time.
The 33-year-old is a versatile scorer who can stretch the floor for Embiid and Simmons. That Simmons drive in and kick out pass to Ellington already sounds so nice!
It will also help Embiid on the post, particularly if defense will focus on trapping him more in the playoffs. Ellington could also provide a veteran presence in the Sixers’ locker room, something essential for the young Sixers as they look to make a deep playoff run.
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