PhillyVoice Mailbag Takes a Hard Stance in Sixers Trade Evaluations
As the NBA's trade deadline inches closer, fans and analysts alike are weighing in on potential moves that would strengthen the Philadelphia 76ers roster. PhillyVoice decided to do something unique this week – judging your proposed trades for this season's stretch run. And I have to say, some of these ideas were truly creative.
One of my personal favorites came from @dthomasg.bsky.social. A four-team deal involving Lauri Markkanen and Buddy Hield could be a game-changer for the Sixers. But while it would give them significantly more offensive firepower, I'm not convinced that this trade is worth giving up McCain and three valuable first-round picks.
The other proposals were just as intriguing. Trading Kelly Oubre Jr. to help the team stay under the luxury tax threshold could be a smart move. A deal sending Oubre back to his hometown Pelicans for Saddiq Bey and a 2027 second-round pick would save the Sixers about $2.2 million.
However, trading Al Horford and dumping Andre Drummond's contract could also help with this goal. And while I wouldn't be surprised if Chris Paul joined the Sixers – he is an elite veteran who knows exactly how to win a championship – any deal involving him would need to include significant young talent for me to get on board.
On a more realistic note, acquiring Deni Avdija could be a great idea. The 25-year-old has already proven himself as one of the NBA's top players and fits perfectly alongside Tyrese Maxey. But even Avdija is unlikely to come without considerable young chips being thrown in return – I think it would take at least those two picks plus more for Portland to let him go.
Ultimately, the key to any successful trade will be finding that perfect balance between giving up too much value and landing exactly what the Sixers need. As we get closer to the deadline, I have no doubt that some truly creative deals will come to light.
As the NBA's trade deadline inches closer, fans and analysts alike are weighing in on potential moves that would strengthen the Philadelphia 76ers roster. PhillyVoice decided to do something unique this week – judging your proposed trades for this season's stretch run. And I have to say, some of these ideas were truly creative.
One of my personal favorites came from @dthomasg.bsky.social. A four-team deal involving Lauri Markkanen and Buddy Hield could be a game-changer for the Sixers. But while it would give them significantly more offensive firepower, I'm not convinced that this trade is worth giving up McCain and three valuable first-round picks.
The other proposals were just as intriguing. Trading Kelly Oubre Jr. to help the team stay under the luxury tax threshold could be a smart move. A deal sending Oubre back to his hometown Pelicans for Saddiq Bey and a 2027 second-round pick would save the Sixers about $2.2 million.
However, trading Al Horford and dumping Andre Drummond's contract could also help with this goal. And while I wouldn't be surprised if Chris Paul joined the Sixers – he is an elite veteran who knows exactly how to win a championship – any deal involving him would need to include significant young talent for me to get on board.
On a more realistic note, acquiring Deni Avdija could be a great idea. The 25-year-old has already proven himself as one of the NBA's top players and fits perfectly alongside Tyrese Maxey. But even Avdija is unlikely to come without considerable young chips being thrown in return – I think it would take at least those two picks plus more for Portland to let him go.
Ultimately, the key to any successful trade will be finding that perfect balance between giving up too much value and landing exactly what the Sixers need. As we get closer to the deadline, I have no doubt that some truly creative deals will come to light.
! Like, I'm all for giving up picks and having a solid veteran presence but trading away 2 first-rounds is a big ask. And what about the value of those picks in the future? You never know when they'll come back to haunt you 
. At the same time, if they're willing to let go of Markkanen and Hield, I think it's worth considering...but it's gotta be a win-win for both sides 
! I mean, dude's been around for ages and his contract is just so much dead weight 
. And you're right, dumping Andre Drummond's contract would be a huge win too 
. It's like the Sixers are getting two for one 
! But for real though, acquiring Deni Avdija would be amazing 
. I've seen him play in college and he's got skills for days 
. He'd fit right in with Tyrese Maxey and they could be a deadly duo 
️.
. It's like when we trade one thing for another - does the value really change, or are we just shifting the same old deck chairs around 
?
- if you're gonna make a move in life or trade, you gotta be willing to put it all on the line. Too much hesitation and you'll just end up stuck in neutral. And yeah, I get where they're coming from with Lauri Markkanen and Buddy Hield, but sometimes you have to think about the bigger picture - what's gonna take this team to the next level? And let's be real, giving up McCain and those first-round picks might not kill 'em in the long run. You can always rebuild, but you can't get that one chance to make it all happen.
but seriously tho it's all about finding that balance between giving up too much or not enough value 
. Trading Kelly Oubre Jr. to stay under the luxury tax threshold sounds like a smart move, though - it'd save them some cash 
. And Deni Avdija is a great pick, but I think it'd take more than just those two first-round picks to make that deal happen - maybe something like two of their top picks and a young wing player?