In today's NBA, teams are constantly shifting pieces in an attempt to better set themselves up for the future. Trades don't typically happen at this time of the year but are always a fun topic of conversation to get into. Here are two potential trade candidates for the Philadelphia 76ers as training camp reaches its halfway point.
76ers targets:
CJ McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers
Throughout the Ben Simmons trade saga this summer, the Portland Trail Blazers have been a team heavily linked to the situation. While 76ers wheeler-dealer Daryl Morey viewed Damian Lillard as his top prize, many have brought up the other Blazers' guard as a piece to headline a return for the former number one overall pick.
He isn't exactly a true point guard, but McCollum can provide an element the 76ers have desperately needed in recent years. He is a guard that can create his own offense and score on all three levels. McCollum's ability to efficiently score on the perimeter makes him a seamless fit on the floor with Joel Embiid and gives him a partner in the pick-and-roll.
Morey has kept his stance of wanting an All-Star-caliber player on the 76ers in return for Simmons, and while McCollum might not have made an All-Star team in his career, he still plays at that level. Last season for the Blazers, he averaged 23.1 PPG, 3.9 RPG, and 4.7 APG while posting shooting splits of .458/.402/.812.
At 29-year-old, McCollum also fits the timeline of Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris. The 76ers' window to compete now, and McCollum can help them do just that.
Morey remains patient for a superstar player to become available for the 76ers via trade, but landing McCollum and other pieces wouldn't be the worst return for a disgruntled Ben Simmons.
De'Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings
Another team consistently linked to the Simmons situation is the Sacramento Kings. Not only have the Kings reportedly expressed interest, but Simmons also reportedly preferred to be traded to a California team.
Morey's steep asking price has caused a roadblock in the 76ers and Kings getting a deal done. Mainly because Sacramento has made De'Aaron Fox untouchable in a deal.
The Kings might not want to send Fox to the 76ers, but he should remain on Morey's radar. His timeline might not exactly match Embiid's, but the young guard has continued to prove he is one of the most prominent young guards in the league right now.
In the four years Fox has been in the NBA, he has gradually made improvements to his game, as 76ers fans might know. At just 23-years-old, the former top-five pick is arguably an All-Star-level player. In 58 games last season, Fox averaged 25.2 PPG (career-high), 3.5 RPG, 7.2 APG, and 1.5 SPG.
Outside shooting has been the key area of focus for Fox in his development, and he has slowly made it a respectable element of his game. His 32.2% mark last season is the second-highest of his career and did so on substantially higher volume (5.5 attempts per game).
Between his upside and being under contract long-term, Fox is a suitable return for the 76ers in a Simmons trade. If the Kings stumble out of the gate to start the regular season, it might create an opportunity for Morey to get them to put their franchise cornerstone on the trading block.
There is still no telling how the Simmons saga ends in Philadelphia, but both of these players could aid the 76ers in their pursuit of an NBA championship.
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