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The Philadelphia 76ers previously had a good start to the 2021-22 NBA season as they were looking like one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. It even seemed as if they weren't hurt by the absence of Ben Simmons at all. However, the Sixers recently slowed down after star center Joel Embiid entered the league's health and safety protocols back in early November.
They eventually lost six of their next eight games which exposed their weaknesses and dragged them to the bottom half of the standings. Through 23 games played, the Sixers are currently sitting at the ninth spot with a 12-11 record. Currently, Doc Rivers and his men are in dire need of scoring and playmaking which they found to be missing amid the extended absence of Simmons.
With the disgruntled star still at their disposal, the front office can opt to move him in a bid to acquire assets that can help them win now and get back as one of the powerhouse teams in the East.
Here are three players that the Sixers can land at the upcoming NBA trade deadline:
Sixers NBA Trade Deadline Targets
3. Jerami Grant
Jerami Grant is coming off a career season in 2020-21 where he emerged as a budding star for the lowly Detroit Pistons. In his second campaign with the team, he is still producing similar numbers with averages of 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 21 appearances this season.
Certainly enough, the Syracuse product is now entering the prime years of his career at the age of 27. Though he gets to have the limelight in Detroit, it would be a shame for his talent to be wasted in a team that is in full rebuilding mode at the moment. A move to Philadelphia would possibly relegate him to be the second or third option but it might benefit him more since he gets to contribute to their championship aspirations moving forward.
Grant's versatility on both ends of the floor would be a valuable asset for the Sixers frontcourt alongside Embiid. His scoring will also be leaned upon as the team tries to find the third star that they are currently missing in the absence of Simmons. A reunion between the two sides could potentially be in the works if the Sixers manage to generate a trade to land their former player once again.
2. CJ McCollum
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Another proven scorer in Portland Trail Blazers' CJ McCollum could be a promising target for Daryl Morey and company at the trade deadline. He may not be Damian Lillard but he has already showcased his capability to thrive in a supporting role – a position that he will have to fill in if he finds himself joining the Sixers in the future.
This season, the Lehigh product continues to be a vital contributor for the Blazers as he is currently generating 20.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 24 games played as a starter. His smooth stroke from the perimeter and from beyond the arc along with his knack for scoring will definitely be a big help to the Sixers. In exchange for McCollum, the Blazers can potentially acquire Simmons who is a lockdown defender and can contain any opponent from all five positions on the floor.
As of the moment, Portland's defense still needs more improvement and having a defensive-minded player like Simmons will definitely help their cause. Based on their current needs and the players' skillsets, both teams can still find themselves in a great position if they manage to execute the trade in the near future.
Perhaps one of the best young talents in the league today is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from the Oklahoma City Thunder. In their backcourt rotation, the Sixers also have a player with high potential in Tyrese Maxey but it is still uncertain whether or not he has the ‘it' factor to emerge as a true star in the league in the future.
After signing a $172 million max contract extension in the offseason, Gilgeous-Alexander is definitely etched as one of the future cornerstones of the Thunder franchise. Without a doubt, it would take a lot for Sam Presti to move the 23-year-old though his mind could be changed if a three-time All-Star in Simmons will be included in the mix.
Surely, a ton of assets will also be involved if a blockbuster trade like this would happen in the future. However, Philadelphia is looking like a team where Gilgeous-Alexander can put his talents to good use and help them win now. With averages of 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, the Canadian might just be the missing piece that the Sixers need alongside Embiid and Tobias Harris in order to get back on top of the East this season.
