The Philadelphia 76ers know they need to make some changes after their disappointing second-round series loss to the Atlanta Hawks, and Daryl Morey predictably has his eyes on a big fish, according to The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor. That would be Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard, who's reportedly not too happy with what's going on in Rip City.
The Sixers made a play for Kyle Lowry before the trade deadline, but Morey reportedly didn't want to cash in too many of his chips because he was thinking bigger. Lillard certainly counts as bigger, and O'Connor indeed reports Philly is hoping for a chance to make a play for the disgruntled Blazers star.
The natural assumption is a Lillard trade offer would revolve around Ben Simmons, who would then get a fresh start in Portland. Of course, while Simmons is a young All-Star, his playoff flameout and Lillard's continued ascendance means the Sixers would have to include quite a bit more in a trade. But after such an epic playoff collapse, Morey should be willing to go all in on a Lillard-Joel Embiid duo.
Philly has some other interesting young players in Tyrese Maxey, Shake Milton and Matisse Thybulle to include in trade talks. There could also be draft picks involved.
If Lillard actually does become available, you can bet Morey will be at the front of the line to make a play. The Sixers president knows he can't be patient when it comes to building a title team around Embiid.
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