The Philadelphia 76ers are in a strange place. They aren’t necessarily on the same level as the top teams in the East, but they still have a lot of talent. So as the trade deadline approaches, they could go in a number of different directions. And one of their possible moves could now be clear.
According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer (subscription required)are the 76ers willing to part ways with Andre Drummond in a trade at the deadline. The big man has played good minutes for the Sixers this season, so it’s relatively unclear why they’re moving him away, and Pompey even noted that moving him could increase the need for a new backup center.
Still, it sounds like they might be willing to let him go.
76ers could trade Andre Drummond
Pompey wrote that it doesn’t appear to be a financial motivation, as the only person who would make sense to act on that sentiment would be Eric Gordon, who has only played in six games this year.
With Drummond having a poor game against some East teams, most notably the New York Knicks, another question mark Pompey raised. However, if the 76ers wanted to trade him for financial reasons, Pompey believes it would be a mistake.
“Perhaps Nurse felt the Knicks, who favored a small-ball lineup, were a bad fit for Drummond,” Pompey wrote. “But him not playing was a major omission and a talking point. It’s hard to imagine that Sixers co-managing partner Josh Harris, knowing the window is closing, would forfeit the chance to finally win an NBA championship to lose key pieces just to save money. I wouldn’t blame Harris if he could stay under the first platform and get under the luxury tax threshold if it was manipulated by a fringe player or someone from the rotation. But if it Oubre, Grimes or Drummond, players who are crucial to their success, it would be a bad impression.”
Drummond has a $5 million contract expiring this year, meaning the 76ers wouldn’t be able to get it at a lot in a possible deal for him.
However, if they wanted to extend his salary lock, moving Drummond to a guy who is under contract after this season could make at least some sense.
But whatever reason the 76ers have for potentially moving Drummond, knowing that they are willing to give an indication of what their first trade this season could be.
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