For the 76ers, as we head towards the February trade deadline, the question of whether or not to deal for wing help is starting to take center stage. With Joel Embiid's health always in doubt, and with the luxury tax threshold looming large on their shoulders, the Sixers are forced to weigh their options.
One thing is clear: Quentin Grimes is unlikely to be traded this season. His unproductive restricted free agency may have raised doubts about his future with the team, but Grimes has now secured a qualifying offer and retains veto power over any potential trade deal. As a result, it's likely that he will remain in Philadelphia as the sides hammer out a multi-year contract.
On the other hand, Kelly Oubre Jr. is a different story altogether. With his $8.3 million expiring salary looming large, the 76ers are in a tricky position - do they try to keep him and risk going over the luxury tax threshold, or do they let him go and take on some of that risk?
While it's true that Oubre would be a significant asset for any team looking to bolster their wing rotation, there is also a strong argument to be made for bringing him in. If the 76ers can get under the luxury tax threshold, holding onto Oubre could demonstrate the depth of their commitment to the team - and potentially give them an edge over rival teams.
However, it's worth noting that trading Oubre would not be without its risks. As a veteran player on a veteran's minimum salary, he is already a significant risk in terms of cost - but if he were traded to a team with some cap space in the summer, he could potentially command a long-term deal that would keep him in Philadelphia.
So what are the realistic wing targets for the 76ers? One name that continues to be mentioned is Justin Champagnie. The young Washington Wizards player has emerged as one of the top rebounders among NBA wings, and his modest salary makes him an attractive option for a team looking to add some depth without breaking the bank.
Another option could be Haywood Highsmith, who turned himself into a quality two-way wing with the Miami Heat last season. Despite being out all this season due to injury, Highsmith remains a stable presence in the wings - and would provide instant chemistry in the 76ers' lineup alongside Paul George.
Saddiq Bey of the New Orleans Pelicans is also worth keeping an eye on. While his three-point volume may not be as impressive as Oubre's, Bey's accuracy makes him a reliable shooter - and his relatively modest salary could provide some flexibility for the 76ers.
Finally, there's Derrick Jones Jr., who has been rumored to be on the 76ers' radar for years. With two knee injuries wiping out most of his season so far, it's unclear whether he'll be fully healthy by the playoffs - but if so, he could provide a significant boost to the team's wing rotation.
Ultimately, whatever the 76ers decide to do will have implications for their team's future - and we can only hope that they make the right call.
One thing is clear: Quentin Grimes is unlikely to be traded this season. His unproductive restricted free agency may have raised doubts about his future with the team, but Grimes has now secured a qualifying offer and retains veto power over any potential trade deal. As a result, it's likely that he will remain in Philadelphia as the sides hammer out a multi-year contract.
On the other hand, Kelly Oubre Jr. is a different story altogether. With his $8.3 million expiring salary looming large, the 76ers are in a tricky position - do they try to keep him and risk going over the luxury tax threshold, or do they let him go and take on some of that risk?
While it's true that Oubre would be a significant asset for any team looking to bolster their wing rotation, there is also a strong argument to be made for bringing him in. If the 76ers can get under the luxury tax threshold, holding onto Oubre could demonstrate the depth of their commitment to the team - and potentially give them an edge over rival teams.
However, it's worth noting that trading Oubre would not be without its risks. As a veteran player on a veteran's minimum salary, he is already a significant risk in terms of cost - but if he were traded to a team with some cap space in the summer, he could potentially command a long-term deal that would keep him in Philadelphia.
So what are the realistic wing targets for the 76ers? One name that continues to be mentioned is Justin Champagnie. The young Washington Wizards player has emerged as one of the top rebounders among NBA wings, and his modest salary makes him an attractive option for a team looking to add some depth without breaking the bank.
Another option could be Haywood Highsmith, who turned himself into a quality two-way wing with the Miami Heat last season. Despite being out all this season due to injury, Highsmith remains a stable presence in the wings - and would provide instant chemistry in the 76ers' lineup alongside Paul George.
Saddiq Bey of the New Orleans Pelicans is also worth keeping an eye on. While his three-point volume may not be as impressive as Oubre's, Bey's accuracy makes him a reliable shooter - and his relatively modest salary could provide some flexibility for the 76ers.
Finally, there's Derrick Jones Jr., who has been rumored to be on the 76ers' radar for years. With two knee injuries wiping out most of his season so far, it's unclear whether he'll be fully healthy by the playoffs - but if so, he could provide a significant boost to the team's wing rotation.
Ultimately, whatever the 76ers decide to do will have implications for their team's future - and we can only hope that they make the right call.