The Philadelphia 76ers collapsed in horrible fashion after mounting an impressive beatdown over the Celtics, but fortunately, barely anyoen noticed. After all, not too long after the entire basketball community was shaken by the wildly shocking trade involving Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis, another star-laden, blockbuster trade was finalized.
After weeks of speculations, the De’Aaron Fox era in Sacramento is now over as the All-Star guard now finds himself landing in San Antonio via a three-team trade that also includes Zach LaVine, another All-Star guard, getting shipped to the Kings from the Bulls, which were finally able to ditch LaVine after a year of trying to do so.
With the trade deadline still a few days away, fans can only expect the transaction tables to continue being as climactic as it can be. Meanwhile, there is uncertainty about whether or not the 76ers will play alongside everyone. After all, despite the numerous rumors thay have been involved in, the team has yet to move the needle on the trade market.
Not a lot have noticed, but despite the Spurs absolutely fleecing the Kings by not being forced to give up any player from their young core nor any of the Hawks picks they have control over, they ditched Zach Collins (and Tre Jones) in the process. While Collins has been negligible for them, his absence further leaves San Antonio thinner at center.
As a result, the 76ers should take this opportunity to possibly sell San Antonio on the idea of trading for, say, Andre Drummond, who would be a massive upgrade over the inconsistent Charles Bassey and the undersized Sandro Mamukelashvili.
Drummond, while having been underwhelming for Philly this season, could benefit from a change of scenery, especially to a situation where he would not have to bite more than he can chew, just as he has done while filling in for Joel Embiid. With Victor Wembanyama in town, his impact could be more felt (and his weaknesses hidden) when playing just 13 to 15 minutes per outing.
Even a return comprising of a single second-round pick would be beneficial to the 76ers. Jettisoning Drummond would open up more court time for Adem Bona, who stands as a more worthy gamble right now given his youth.
With the trade deadline creeping in, the Philadelphia 76ers have to find ways to be more resourceful than before. Even if they are not primarily involved, they have the means to go out and sell hard on the assets they currently have.
