The Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline is rapidly approaching and now is the time for teams to begin figuring out how they can upgrade their rosters for the stretch run of the season.
The Philadelphia 76ers, led by president Daryl Morey, will likely be in the running for upgrades to their roster, but they don’t have many assets. The Sixers are obviously not trading Joel Embiid, James Harden, or Tyrese Maxey, and it’s tough to see teams trading for Tobias Harris right now due to his massive contract.
The question then becomes what can the Sixers really offer teams? HoopsHype believes that Philadelphia can only offer up a guy like Matisse Thybulle:
The Sixers will be on the lookout for upgrades to the bench but are extremely limited in assets. They are limited in trading all but one future first-round pick in 2029, which they probably are better off keeping for now. Other than that they can only trade a 2023 and 2029 second-round pick. With so few draft picks available to move, it’s going to be tough for them to add a difference-maker to the roster.
They are also devoid of expendable prospects that could interest other teams. Their best player who fits that description is Matisse Thybulle whose value is in the eye of the beholder. Others players who aren’t in their regular rotation are unlikely to generate positive trade value. Thankfully their core is playing well together and the Sixers don’t need to trade anybody from it for upgrades. If they can make an upgrade they’ll be on the lookout for another forward and backup big man. The latter could probably be found in the buyout market.
Moving Thybulle might be a bit foolish for this group. Yes, his offense is up and down, but he is a valuable defender off the bench. The Sixers are 9-0 when Thybulle plays 20+ minutes in a game and Philadelphia should consider making him a rotation regular rather than thinking of any trades involving him.
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Story originally appeared on Sixers Wire