The countdown to Christmas normally begins on December 15, but for NBA fans it has a different purpose.
On this date, teams can trade players who signed new contracts in the offseason, as 90% of players are now eligible for trade. ESPN’s Bobby Marks noticed on Monday morning. Now Quentin Grimes is the only non-tradable player on the Philadelphia 76ers roster, with Trendon Watford, Kyle Lowry, Eric Gordon and Justin Edwards available for trade.
When trade rumors inevitably hit the 76ers, these four players will likely be safe.
Watford is probably safe
Watford, who signed a two-year/$5.3 million contract on July 2, was Philadelphia’s lone free agent last summer. The 76ers acquired him to rebuild their power forward depth after losing Guerschon Yabusele to the New York Knicks, a pick that has aged well.
The 25-year-old averaged 8.9 points on 53.4% shooting from the field and 38.9% accuracy from beyond the arc, 4.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists through 14 games. Watford’s ball handling, playmaking skills and ability to move without the ball have added to Philadelphia’s attacking versatility.
Despite missing the 76ers’ last eight games due to a strained left adductor, he will likely survive the NBA’s Feb. 5 trade deadline. Watford’s production is better than the average player making $2.5 million this year, not to mention he and Tyrese Maxey are good friends.
The vets
Philadelphia retained Lowry and Gordon on veteran minimum deals because of their leadership and experience. Lowry has essentially been an extension of Nick Nurse on a roster loaded with backcourt talent, while Gordon is linked to VJ Edgecombe through their Bahamian roots.
In what could be Lowry’s final season of his 20-year career, he saw action in four games, totaling 1.5 points and 1.3 assists. Although his minutes were scarce, the guard made the right plays when called upon. Gordon appeared in four games and served as a spot-up shooter, recording 4.2 points on 62.5% shooting from three-point range.
Both will likely remain in Philadelphia for the remainder of the season.
The Edwards of it all
As a show of good faith, the 76ers declined Edwards’ team option and re-signed him to a three-year/$7 million contract on July 6. However, the sophomore hasn’t lived up to their expectations, scoring 5.6 points on 37.3% shooting from the field in 22 games.
Edwards emerged as a diamond in the rough last season, showing flashes as a 3&D wing who could create himself in doses. The forward has shown none of these traits this year. He struggled to make open three-pointers, staying on assignment and scoring off the dribble.
Still, Edwards is 21 years old and on a team-friendly deal despite his second-year struggles. Unless the 76ers need to create a package for a player that moves the needle, the Philadelphia native will likely stay home until the end of the season.
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