The Philadelphia 76ers are off to a rough start with a 1-7 record, but there’s still a lot of time left in the season, and MVP Joel Embiid hasn’t played yet.
Philadelphia’s general manager, Daryl Morey, is also still working on building the team.
December 15 is an important date for the 76ers because that’s when more than half of their roster becomes eligible for trade again. Nine players on the team are currently restricted by trade rules until that date.
Once mid-December comes, Morey is expected to be active in the trade market, looking for reliable scorers, especially considering the injury histories of Embiid and Paul George.
NBA insider Jake Fischer recently reported that the 76ers are ready to include first-round draft picks in a trade.
“The Sixers are still willing and able to put first-round picks on the table for players that they will then have to go into the second apron to re-sign next summer,” Fischer said.
“They still have that flexibility. They are not in the second apron and still have opportunities to acquire players via trade, to aggregate salaries, etc.”
“I would still be mindful and considering the fact that the Philadelphia 76ers, (with) Daryl Morey, in particular, running this front office, has always said he does not look at his rosters as final come opening night, and there’s plenty of optionality, especially come trade deadline in February, to make some changes here.”
Given this, Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans seems like a great fit for the 76ers as a potential trade deadline target.
Ingram is on an expiring $158.3 million deal, meaning he could fit into the 76ers’ plans if they want to go into the second apron to re-sign him next summer.
Ingram would also be a great fit for the 76ers on the court. He provides instant scoring, which Philadelphia really needs right now, especially with Embiid and Maxey both injured and George still finding his rhythm.
On nights when either Embiid or George is out, Ingram could step up as the second or third option behind Maxey and be a key player for the 76ers.
New Orleans would be happy to trade Ingram for first-round picks, knowing they could lose him for nothing in free agency if they don’t make a deal this winter.
