After an anticlimactic trade deadline, who could the Sixers poach from buyout market?
The Philadelphia 76ers are now entering a period of uncharacteristic quiet as they won't be adding any new players to their roster for the first time under President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey. This unusual state of affairs provides an opening door for the team to make moves in the buyout market and bolster their talent.
The primary candidate who could suitably fill this void is Lonzo Ball, a versatile two-way wing with considerable potential despite recent knee issues derailing his career. Although he experienced a rough season playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers and was ultimately traded to Utah Jazz as part of significant shuffling, contenders should expect to keep an eye on him. The Sixers' need for additional ball-handling insurance against Tyrese Maxey's injury risk could be met by Ball, who is also capable of taking down wing assignments on the defensive end.
Another player drawing interest from several playoff teams is Haywood Highsmith, a 29-year-old two-way wing who has returned to the NBA after being waived by the Brooklyn Nets. Despite initial doubts surrounding his potential with the Sixers, he could once again be a quality rotation-caliber wing upon regaining health and proving himself as an effective contributor in the playoffs.
A player who may not be ideal but holds considerable talent is Georges Niang, a veteran who has been dealt to Memphis Grizzlies due to injuries. If Memphis decides to pivot towards a youth movement, the Sixers could consider bringing back Niang for his lights-out three-point shooting and ability to provide space around Joel Embiid.
Khris Middleton's recent performance raises questions about the 34-year-old's utility with the Dallas Mavericks, but in Philadelphia, he would be a better fit as a veteran presence who can help complement James Harden. However, given the Sixers' need for scoring juice beyond their elite mid-range scorer, this move may not come to fruition.
Cam Thomas was waived by the Brooklyn Nets and could potentially assert himself as a fixture in the backcourt elsewhere, but he doesn't align with the Sixers' existing backcourt setup. Mike Conley's return to the Minnesota Timberwolves limits his ability to sign, while Jevon Carter presents himself as an intriguing option due to his defensive prowess and volume shooting.
Lastly, Chris Boucher offers a stretch big who could complement Embiid or provide backup behind him without requiring additional roster space. The Sixers' current depth behind their center has made this scenario less pressing, but a player like Boucher still provides intriguing possibilities for the front office.
These players will be under scrutiny as the Sixers navigate their need to bolster talent beyond their standard rotations and address any potential injury concerns in the backcourt.
The Philadelphia 76ers are now entering a period of uncharacteristic quiet as they won't be adding any new players to their roster for the first time under President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey. This unusual state of affairs provides an opening door for the team to make moves in the buyout market and bolster their talent.
The primary candidate who could suitably fill this void is Lonzo Ball, a versatile two-way wing with considerable potential despite recent knee issues derailing his career. Although he experienced a rough season playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers and was ultimately traded to Utah Jazz as part of significant shuffling, contenders should expect to keep an eye on him. The Sixers' need for additional ball-handling insurance against Tyrese Maxey's injury risk could be met by Ball, who is also capable of taking down wing assignments on the defensive end.
Another player drawing interest from several playoff teams is Haywood Highsmith, a 29-year-old two-way wing who has returned to the NBA after being waived by the Brooklyn Nets. Despite initial doubts surrounding his potential with the Sixers, he could once again be a quality rotation-caliber wing upon regaining health and proving himself as an effective contributor in the playoffs.
A player who may not be ideal but holds considerable talent is Georges Niang, a veteran who has been dealt to Memphis Grizzlies due to injuries. If Memphis decides to pivot towards a youth movement, the Sixers could consider bringing back Niang for his lights-out three-point shooting and ability to provide space around Joel Embiid.
Khris Middleton's recent performance raises questions about the 34-year-old's utility with the Dallas Mavericks, but in Philadelphia, he would be a better fit as a veteran presence who can help complement James Harden. However, given the Sixers' need for scoring juice beyond their elite mid-range scorer, this move may not come to fruition.
Cam Thomas was waived by the Brooklyn Nets and could potentially assert himself as a fixture in the backcourt elsewhere, but he doesn't align with the Sixers' existing backcourt setup. Mike Conley's return to the Minnesota Timberwolves limits his ability to sign, while Jevon Carter presents himself as an intriguing option due to his defensive prowess and volume shooting.
Lastly, Chris Boucher offers a stretch big who could complement Embiid or provide backup behind him without requiring additional roster space. The Sixers' current depth behind their center has made this scenario less pressing, but a player like Boucher still provides intriguing possibilities for the front office.
These players will be under scrutiny as the Sixers navigate their need to bolster talent beyond their standard rotations and address any potential injury concerns in the backcourt.
, he's got that 2-way wing potential and could bring some much-needed insurance against Tyrese Maxey's injury risk 
. Haywood Highsmith is another one to watch out for, his health is a major concern but if he can get it together, he'd be a great addition to the team 
. And let's be real, Georges Niang would bring some serious 3-point shooting power to the table 
... even if it's not ideal, he could be worth the risk for that skillset alone 
Georges Niang is always a fun pick because he shoots threes, but you have to wonder if his injuries are gonna be an issue again. The Khris Middleton rumor might be just that - a rumor... 
But seriously, Lonzo Ball could be a great fit as he brings that all-around skillset we love to see. I'm also keeping an eye on Haywood Highsmith, reminds me of when Nikola Vucevic was playing for Orlando... 
He's got the potential to be a solid rotation player if he can stay healthy.
I mean, we all know James Harden needs some scoring help and having Khris Middleton around would be awesome. But if they don't get him, Chris Boucher could bring a stretchy big to back up Embiid - kinda like how Andre Drummond used to roll with Bynum in the past... 
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. haywood highsmith on the other hand seems like a sleeper pick 
, he had some rough seasons in nba 2k, but i think he's got it in him to be a solid contributor. georges niang is also an interesting option, his three-point shooting is nuts 
, i think the sixers would wanna play off harderens strengths, but idk man, thats just me 
, but honestly can't they just add some new talent already? The 76ers have been sitting pretty for a minute and it's time for them to make a move 
. Lonzo Ball is my guy at this point - he's got the skills, the speed, and the defensive chops 
. But then there's Haywood Highsmith, who seems like an underrated gem 
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. But you know what'd really get me excited? Chris Boucher in a stretch big role 
. Let's see what they do 
!
he's been having some issues with his knee but I believe he'd bring so much more to the table, ball-handling insurance is exactly what they need 
and how many amazing burgers I tried... like, seriously, some of those chefs are geniuses with their flavor combos! Anyway, it got me thinking about sports and trades and stuff... but you know what's even crazier? The way those ballers can just disappear for a while and then reappear like magic on another team 
. But I think they should really consider Lonzo Ball, dude... he's got some serious two-way skills that could help out with Tyrese Maxey's injury issues 
it's just a fancy way of saying they care about ur health but also want to cover themselves. idk maybe it's 'cause ppl don't take care of their own necks or something... 
. And yeah, Khris Middleton would be a great veteran presence, but I think they need that scoring boost more than ever 
What do you guys think? Should the Sixers go after Ball or Highsmith first?
it feels like no one's mentioning that elephant in the room. and what's up with the buyout market being so quiet? is everyone just waiting for someone to make a move?! 