There is a renewed sense of optimism surrounding the Sixers following the news that James Harden has opted out of his $47.4 million player option in favor of a more team-friendly deal. While the numbers are yet to be announced on his deal, he is likely to shave about $10 million off his cap hit. This pay cut opens up flexibility to properly fill out the rest of the roster. The Sixers have a solid duo of Joel Embiid and James Harden and need to add the proper complimentary pieces around them. That might require a Sixers trade.

While most of the attention will be spent on free agency, you cannot rule out the Sixers making another deal. Daryl Morey recently pulled the trigger on a deal to land De’Anthony Melton via trade. There is still plenty of room for moves to be made for the Sixers to complete their roster. Here are three unrealistic deals the Sixers should at least implore about.

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3 unrealistic trades Sixers must try to make in 2022 NBA offseason

Mavericks Trade For: Tobias Harris, Matisse Thybulle

Sixers Trade For: Dorian Finney-Smith, Reggie Bullock, Davis Bertans

With the looming departure of Jalen Brunson clouding the Mavericks they could be in the market for another key scorer. If Tobias Harris piques their interest the Sixers should look to work out a deal. Dallas also needs to make some defensive improvements which is the lure of Matisse Thybulle. While the deficiency on offense is notable, Thybulle is a game-changing talent on the defensive end.

For the Sixers, this would provide them with the role player depth they desire. Dorian Finney-Smith and Reggie Bullock would be the perfect two-way wings the team desires. The “Bang Brothers” could take their talents to Philadelphia and play an equally important role. If there is another guy in the NBA who can create the same level of open looks as Luka Doncic, it is James Harden. Pairing the two wings with the gravity of Joel Embiid and the passing ability of Harden would be an ideal environment for each player. Davis Bertans would also be an ideal floor-spacing forward alongside Embiid. This would be the best stretch forward the Sixers have had and is a role the team has been missing for several years. This trade would give the Sixers the role players they are missing and complete the roster almost entirely.

Sixers Trade For: Josh Hart, Eric Bledsoe, Nassir Little

Trail Blazers Trade For: Tobias Harris, Matisse Thybulle

The Portland Trail Blazers are clearly in win-now mode. Outside of drafting Shaedon Sharpe, each move they have made is driven by the desire to compete this season. Tobias Harris would be a win-now forward who could help carry the scoring load. The Trail Blazers' defense has also been a cause of struggle in the past seasons. Matisse Thybulle would be their most impactful defensive piece and provide an interesting new aspect to the franchise.

This also would be a deal that completes the Sixers bench unit. Josh Hart is an excellent three-and-D role player who is well-liked in the Philadelphia area due to his time at Villanova. His impressive rebounding for his 6’5” height would also make a major impact on the Sixers. Eric Bledsoe would provide a nice splash of athleticism and fill the backup point guard role. Nassir Little would be a key piece of their bench rotation. Little took some massive steps forward last season and has intriguing potential. His tenacity and versatility at the forward position are nonexistent on the Sixers' current roster and would be very beneficial. This trade would provide the Sixers with the win-now bench pieces they desire and nearly complete their offseason checklist.

Sixers Trade For: Bradley Beal

Wizards Trade For: Tobias Harris, Matisse Thybulle, Jaden Springer

As appealing as role players are there is still an allure to a potential Bradley Beal trade. The Wizards star opted out of his player option with the expectation that he will return on a max deal. If Beal is having second thoughts and may seek a new destination, the Sixers will surely still get in the mix. The Wizards would love to receive something for him rather than letting him walk for free. So, a sign-and-trade could be a possibility. If the Sixers can add the high-level scorer without touching their current core it is certainly worth doing.

Pairing Beal with Embiid and Harden would create a dangerous Big Three. This would be a massive statement to the rest of the NBA and one Daryl Morey would love to make. While the reality is Beal will likely stick in Washington on a max contract, it will be a situation worth monitoring. Few GM’s are capable of making a splash like Morey and expect him to act if the superstar is at all available.