Morey Magic to Strike Again?

Will Daryl Morey pursue any trades before the trade deadline? What might the Sixers' future look like after the departure of James Harden?

By Ryan Kessler

Dec 11, 2023, at 6:19 pm ET

Photo By TSN/SCMP

Entering the 2023 NBA season, there was rightfully substantial uncertainty about the identity of the Philadelphia Sixers. After giving up a heart-wrenching 3-2 lead in the conference semifinals to their archrival, the Boston Celtics, and with the ongoing Harden and Morey feud, it was hard to predict what has been a relatively seamless start to the Sixers’ season. The Sixers currently sit in 4th place in the Eastern Conference with a 12-6 record and only trail the conference-leading Celtics by three games. Their unexpectedly hot start stems from several factors including Tyrese Maxey’s rise to stardom, the hiring of Nick Nurse and his staff, reliable play from their wings, and of course, the play of Joel.  

With Harden leaving, there were serious questions about who would become the team’s second option and how they would adjust without his ability to create scoring opportunities. Maxey has answered all questions by averaging a blistering 27.1 points per game (12th highest) and 6.7 assists over the first 20 games. He continuously traumatizes defenders with his elite quickness and ability to create space off the dribble. Maxey is currently the front-runner for the most improved player, and I would be shocked if he does not earn his first all-star selection this season. Additionally, there was a lot of uncertainty about how the players would react to the firing of head coach Doc Rivers. However, Nick Nurse is an excellent fit so far. Nurse somehow has found a way to take an offense that finished 3rd in offensive rating (117.7) last season to another level, even without James Harden. The Sixers currently have the 2nd best offensive rating in the league (121.5), and the offense is clearly clicking with everyone involved. Any Sixers fan will tell you that the offense is much easier to watch because of Nurse’s spacing and ball movement concepts. 

The two-man game between Embiid and Maxey has performed way beyond expectations, and Embiid has developed into a superb passer, averaging 6.4 assists per game compared to 4.2 last season. His passing has opened up the offense not just for Maxey but has also allowed the wings to flourish. Tobias Harris has averaged 17.2 points on an efficient 54.8% effective field goal percentage; Kelly Oubre has proven to be one of the best offseason signings, averaging 16.3 points on 57.9% shooting before his injury; and De'anthony Melton, after an early shooting slump, has averaged 13.2 points shooting 39.4% from three. The consistency of their wing play and Maxey's incredible stretch have more than made up for the loss of Harden, and the team can compete with anyone as they continue to gel under Nurse’s staff. 

Even with the surprising start, however, there is still a debate about whether the Sixers need to add any pieces to make it over the hump to advance past the second round of the playoffs. Over each of the last five seasons, it has seemed like the Sixers have the talent to be legitimate contenders, yet they have fallen short of making a deep playoff run. Over the offseason Boston and the Bucks, the two top eastern conference teams, have made extensive roster changes in a push to win a championship. It is a common belief that Morey plans to use the extra cap space and the draft capital acquired in the Harden deal to pursue another star-caliber player to round out the roster. Thus, the Sixers have a critical decision this season as they could either explore a trade for a star player or wait until the off-season to pursue another star. This article will discuss the implications of making a mid-season as compared to an off-season move, as well as potential players they could seek at either time.

How Much Flexibility Did The Harden Trade Give Philadelphia?

Initially, the trade of James Harden, PJ Tucker, and Filip Petrusev for a haul, including Marcus Morris, Nic Batum, Robert Covington, KJ Martin, a 2028 first-round pick from the Clippers, a 2029 first-round pick swap with the Thunder, and two additional second-rounders, left some scratching their heads in the immediate aftermath of the deal. Even though many fans were relieved not to have to deal with Harden’s shenanigans anymore (public comments, training camp absences, fat suits, strip clubs, etc.), how could Daryl Morey trade Harden without getting an impactful starter in return? Little did casual fans know what this move has meant for the Sixers in terms of cap space and a potential trade. 

According to Bryan Toporek from Forbes, the trade alone freed up around $20 million in cap space for the 2024 season, and the Sixers are now in line to potentially have $55 million in cap space to acquire a star player. You may be wondering how that is possible, given that the Sixers are paying MVP Joel Embiid $47 million and Tobias Harris $39 million, and they still have to extend Maxey with a hefty deal. The first key factor is that the Harris contract is expiring this off-season (thank god). While his play has been excellent this season, and his professionalism is admirable, paying Tobias Harris upwards of $35 million annually over four seasons was questionable at the time and is unsustainable. To immediately fill up cap space, the Sixers would have to renounce their rights to him, which comes with losing his Bird rights*. 

To reach the potential $55 million, the Sixers would also have to renounce their rights to D’Anthony Melton with his 15.2 million dollar cap hold. If they opt not to take this action in hopes of retaining him, they would still have around $40 million in cap space. Another factor is the Sixers having full Bird rights for Maxey, which means they can re-sign him and exceed the cap limit. The Bird rights provide more wiggle room to sign a star before needing to extend Maxey. The last detail to note is that all the players the Sixers acquired in the Harden deal are on expiring deals, including KJ Martin, who has a valuable cap hold* of 2.1 million dollars. They can write down the $2.1 million on the books for a spot on the 2024 roster, which is next to nothing in the grand scheme of an NBA team payroll. Overall, the Sixers are in prime position to sign a big name in the 2024 off-season.

Why Wait to Make a Move?

According to multiple reports, teams around the league expect the Sixers to be active in the trade market and explore a variety of trade options at the in-season deadline. A trade would make sense with the pressure on the Sixers to perform well in the 2023 season. The Sixers have been striving to make a deep playoff run for quite some time now, and many believe that this year may be their last opportunity, as Embiid might request a trade if they can not advance past the second round. Given this perception, Morey might want to trade for a star player to maximize the chance that Embiid returns. 

Morey is known as a wheeler/dealer by his past involvement in several blockbusters and it will not be surprising if he tears up the phone lines come February. With the assets acquired in the Harden trade, he has lots of valuable draft capital and a long list of expiring contracts to leverage in negotiating deals with teams who sell at the deadline. Due to the Stepien rule, the Sixers cannot trade their 2024 or 2026 first-round picks stating a team must have at least one first-round draft pick every two seasons. However, they can deal a 2028 first-round pick, two 2029 first-round picks, a 2030 first-round pick, and the expiring contracts of everyone acquired in the Harden trade, Tobias Harris, and De’Anthony Melton. Two of the first-rounders are Clippers picks, which are desirable considering they have the second-oldest team in the league based on average age. I expect Morey to be reluctant to include Tobias and De’Anthony in a deal considering they are key contributors to the team but will attempt to use all three first-round picks in pursuit of a solid piece.

A list of players the Sixers are rumored to be interested in includes Zach Lavine, Demar Derozan, Alex Caruso, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, Jerami Grant, and De’Andre Hunter. Below I will detail everything you need to know about these potential candidates and their fit with the current Sixers’ roster, as well as my predictions on the likelihood of acquiring each player.

Zach Lavine

2023-2024 Stats: 21.0 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 3.4 APG

Reports have stated mutual interest between the Chicago Bulls and Lavine in finding a new suitor for the former all-star. The Bulls are off to a 9-14 start and could potentially blow up their core of Derozan, Lavine, and Vucevic for a long-overdue rebuild. The Bulls have made the playoffs only once over the last seven years, even though it seems they have the talent every year to make some noise in the Eastern Conference. With several expiring contracts and a lack of success, it is inevitable for the Bulls to sell at the deadline for draft capital to jump-start an obvious need to rebuild. 

Lavine would bring the Sixers an all-star caliber scorer and shot creator. Lavine’s insane athleticism and consistent shooting allow him to score on all three levels. His scoring has been a bit down this season from 24.8 PPG last season, but Lavine has proven to be a very prolific scorer throughout his career. However, his impact on the other end of the court is a different story. Lavine has failed to be an effective defender, and if he finishes with his current defensive rating of 115.7 this season, it will be the worst of his career. There are also concerns with Lavine’s impact on winning as he has limited playoff experience. I would be surprised if the Sixers made a move for Lavine at this stage of the season. Going into the season, it appeared that the Sixers would need a player who could create his shot in the absence of Harden, but with the superb growth of Maxey, that need has dwindled. The Sixers have been merely average on the defensive end of the floor, ranking 15th in defensive rating, and they should not target someone who would negatively impact the defensive end of the court.

Demar Derozan

2023-2024 Stats: 21.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 5.0 APG

Based on the aforementioned situation unraveling in Chicago, the Sixers must also be monitoring the status of Zach Lavine’s teammate, Demar Derozan. The 34-year-old USC product is in the midst of a stellar career, averaging 20+ in each of his last 10 NBA seasons. He is lethal from the mid-range and makes contested shots consistently. Despite his success as a scorer, however, DeRozan has never made a deep playoff run, and many speculate he may be dealt to a contender. Derozan is a much cheaper option ($28 million) than Lavine ($40 million) and seems like a better fit based on the Sixers pieces already in place. The Sixers could use a clutch scorer down the stretch who is also an underrated facilitator, averaging around five assists each of the last five years. Derozan has historically been a better defender than Lavine as well. A move for Derozan would be exciting, but I’m still unconvinced that the Sixers would be willing to use extensive draft capital for a 34-year-old rental who might not fit into their long-term plans. Additionally, according to Kurt Helin of NBC Sports, Derozan prefers to be traded to the Knicks or the Heat, so you may not be getting a motivated return if he were dealt to the Sixers.

Alex Caruso

2023-2024 Stats: PPG 9.5 RPG 2.3 APG 3.4

Recent reports link the Sixers to another Bulls player, fan-favorite Alex Caruso. The 29-year-old veteran has solidified himself as a great role player over the past few seasons who often leaves his fingerprints on games with his great hustle and decision-making. Caruso is a great addition, always knowing how to play in a system and make the right reads. However, he simply does not impact the game on the same level as Derozan and Lavine on the offensive end. It would not make sense for the Sixers to use draft capital to pursue him, given that Patrick Beverly has done a fantastic job in the role Caruso typically plays. The acquisition of Caruso, while helpful, will not move the needle enough for the Sixers to make a title run.

Pascal Siakam

2023-2024 Stats: PPG 20.7 RPG 6.9 APG 5.0

The Raptors have started off the 2023-2024 season with a mediocre 9-13 record. They are in a very similar situation to that of the Bulls, having had the same core with limited success for an extended period. They have failed to win a playoff series in the last four seasons and changes should be coming soon. Their core consists of Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, and Scottie Barnes, which brings this team a lot of size and versatility on the court defensively. The Raptors are a team to monitor at the deadline if they continue with their mediocre play as they might commit to building around Scottie Barnes and ship some of their veterans off for valuable young pieces and draft picks to jumpstart a rebuild. 

Siakam, a 29-year-old 6 '8” forward, is one of the most successful development stories as he began his career in the G-league and became the developmental league’s first-ever player all-star. He has won the Most Improved Player award and was a champion in the 2019 season. While not a great long-range shooter, the two-time all-star is extremely difficult to handle in the mid-range and is excellent at getting to his spot. Additionally, he is a versatile defender who can play effectively in transition. On the flip side, Siakam is currently having an abysmal shooting performance this season, only hitting 19.8% of his three balls. The Sixers could use his defensive skills, but his lack of effective shooting this season has raised some eyebrows. The Sixers need elite shooting to surround Embiid, and Siakam's inside presence could clog the paint. He has played effectively in Nick Nurse’s system before, but I would be surprised if they pulled the trigger and used extensive draft capital for him, given his fit with the other pieces on the roster. 

OG Anunoby 

2023-2024 Stats: PPG 14.8 RPG 4.3 APG 2.4

Siakam’s teammate, OG Anunoby, is another name to watch out for come the deadline. The 26-year-old 6' 7” guard is having a solid start to his young career. Anunoby is a very effective shooter and is an outstanding defender. Last season, he shot 38.7% from three while leading the league in steals and earning second-team all-defense. Anunoby seems like he would be a perfect fit for the Sixers, having the potential to be a long-term piece while making an immediate impact. The Sixers could use his defensive prowess and consistent shooting to complement the ball dominance of Maxey and Embiid. He could space the floor while taking some of the defensive burden off of the wing players. He can quickly adapt to the Nurse coaching style, having played under him for many seasons with the Raptors. From a financial perspective, Anunoby is only being paid $18 million and takes up much less cap space when compared to Siakam’s $35 million. If the Sixers acquire Anunoby, they could also afford to make another move for a smaller piece. With all these positive attributes, including his contract, Masai Uriji might not be willing to trade Anunoby so quickly. Given his value to the Raptors organization, I could also see them keeping him through any rebuilding process.

Jerami Grant

2023-2024 Stats: PPG 22.1 RPG 3.8 APG 2.2

The 6’ 7” forward from Syracuse has carved out an impressive NBA career for himself. He was recently signed to a five-year $160 million deal that was well deserved. Grant has worked extremely hard to be a consistent scorer and has become a player nobody expected after he struggled immensely in his first couple of seasons. The Trail Blazers restructured their roster this offseason, acquiring Deandre Ayton, Robert Williams, Malcolm Brogdon, and a bunch of draft capital for superstar Damian Lillard. Given their recent moves, it might make sense for the Blazers to acquire more draft capital and continue to add to their young core in Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Anfernee Simons, Deandre Ayton, and Robert Williams. Jerami provides length and versatility on the defensive end and is currently one of the best shooters in the league this season. His impact on the Sixers would be similar to Anunoby, but he is a worse defender. His recent deal signifies a long-term mutual interest, but anything can happen at the deadline.

De’Andre Hunter

2023-2024 Stats: PPG 14.8 RPG 4.2 APG 1.3

Hunter grew up in Philadelphia and attended Friends’ Central High School before his standout Virginia career. He is another long wing, spot-up shooter, and an above-average on-ball defender like Anunoby and Grant. Hunter does everything well but does not stand out in any facet of his game. He is an above-average versatile defender with his 6‘ 8” frame, but he is inconsistent offensively. I wonder if Hunter could leap when given a fresh start, but seems to have fallen between the cracks in Atlanta. They have so many guards in their rotation that he seems to get lost in translation a little bit. I would be surprised if the Sixers pursue him as he is not an immediate impact player, but I’m excited to see how his career progresses in a new environment.

Potential Free Agent Signings

If the Sixers opt to leave their roster in its current state, which is a major possibility, they could go after Paul George or Kawhi Leonard. It is important to note that both Jaylen Brown and Anthony Davis each earned themselves contracts that net them $60+ million annually, so the Sixers might not have enough room to pursue these players with $55 million in cap space. However, it’s the NBA and anything can happen as it seems like more blockbuster moves happen with every passing year. 

Paul George

2023-2024 Stats: PPG 23.4 RPG 5.8 APG 4.0

Paul George has been an elite two-way player throughout his entire career and is the ideal player for the Sixers to go after. He has made the All-NBA defensive team four times in his career and consistently is one of the league's best defenders. On top of his defense, he also can do everything on the offensive end at a high level. If you press up, George blows by you and finishes around the rim with his excellent touch. If you sag off him on the perimeter, he will drain difficult contested jumpers from three and the mid-range. If you double-team him, he will make the correct read and find the open man or swing the ball accordingly. The game comes to him naturally, and his ability to be a smooth operator night in and night out is impressive. His only knock is that he still is not an NBA champion, and time is ticking for him as he approaches 34. If he comes to Philly, it would make the team a serious contender with the Bucks, Celtics, and Nuggets. His career is wasting away as a Clipper, and I hope he realizes that sooner rather than later. The Clippers never make any noise in a tough Western Conference and he should give serious thought to becoming a Sixer. 

Kawhi Leonard

2023-2024 Stats: PPG 22.5 RPG 65.9 APG 3.6

George’s teammate, Kawhi Leonard, is also a free agent this summer and his game would fit the needs of the Sixers. The two-time champion and defensive player of the year would bring instant playoff experience and elite defending to a team that could use a wing that prioritizes defense. Kawhi does not need to accomplish anything and is a first-ballot hall of famer, but he might want to leave if LA continues its mediocre play. It would be super ironic if Kawhi suited up for the Sixers after crushing their dreams in the Eastern Conference Finals with his game-seven buzzer-beater. Leonard has won a championship with Nurse, so he knows how to play in his system. The one downside to Leonard is his brittle knees, which cause him to play 40-50 games a season. When healthy, Leonard is still one of the best two players in the league and can still be productive on the court.

What Should They Do?

The best option for the Sixers is to go after OG Anunoby before the trade deadline. This Sixers team is well-suited to make a deep run in the playoffs in a weak eastern conference and only needs a tiny push to become legit championship contenders with the Bucks, Celtics, and Nuggets. Acquiring Anunoby checks all the boxes and would not require the Sixers to make serious changes to their current roster. He is an excellent shooter and a lockdown on-ball defender on the court, which complements our star players. He also has experience in the Nick Nurse system, playing most of his career under his coaching, and fits into the long-term plan, entering his prime at 26. If the Raptors decide to shake things up, they would probably ask for two first-rounders, at least one from the Clippers, and either Batum or Covington to open up cap space in the off-season.

Anunoby additionally provides this Sixers team with immense flexibility. Anunoby is in line for a $19 million cap hit for the 2024-2025 season, which allows the Sixers to still have up to $37 million of cap space for next season. If this Anunoby project works and the Sixers are unbelievable, they could potentially re-sign both Tobias Harris and De’Anthony Melton, both significant contributors to the team, to team-friendly deals. Most likely, they still will not be able to retain both of these players, but there is optionality with a move for Anunoby. If the move fails and the Sixers lose in the second round of the playoffs (pretty likely), they can try to pursue another star-caliber player and move on from Harris and Melton in the off-season.

I look forward to seeing how Morey proceeds with handling this team. He has a lot of important decisions to make, and hopefully, we can finally raise a championship banner.

Footnotes*

Full Bird Rights - A team's ability to exceed the cap when resigning a player who has been with the team for at least three seasons. These rights are intended to be used as an incentive for players to negotiate with their current team. There are different classifications of Bird rights and other details that go beyond the purpose of this article. 

Cap Hold - The Cap holds prevent teams from maneuvering their cap sheet to act like they have additional cap space. The majority of cap holds add money to the cap sheet for players who are on expiring contracts but are expected to be retained. This gives teams an advantage in the form of salary cap exceptions which allow a team to exceed the salary cap when they re-sign players.

Sources

Stats - https://www.basketball-reference.com/

Stats - https://www.espn.com/nba/stats

Salary - https://hoopshype.com

Sixer Draft Picks - https://fanspo.com/nba/teams/76ers/23/draft-picks

Free Agents - https://www.spotrac.com/nba/free-agents/

Sixers Harden Trade - https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryantoporek/2023/11/01/the-james-harden-trade-was-a-salary-cap-masterstroke-by-the-sixers/?sh=70ed9b6677d5

Bird Rights - https://hoopshype.com/2018/10/10/nba-bird-rights/

Stepien Rule - https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2023-nba-trade-deadline-how-the-stepien-rule-dictates-what-first-round-picks-teams-can-and-cant-move/#:~:text=This%20is%20further%20complicated%20by,somewhere%20in%20every%20other%20draft.

Cap Hold  - https://moorebasketball.com/2016/04/22/how-it-works-calculating-a-teams-cap-space/

Derozan Report - https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/demar-derozan-reportedly-would-prefer-to-be-traded-to-knicks-heat-if-moved