Reaching the NBA Playoffs is now an optimistic goal for the Philadelphia 76ers, as they are the No. 11 seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 15-16.
Entering the regular season, most anticipated Philadelphia to compete with the reigning champion Boston Celtics and improved New York Knicks for a top spot in the conference. Instead, each member of the Sixers’ Big Three—Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey—is either struggling with injuries or consistency.
However, this lack of success doesn’t mean the 76ers’ front office plans to sell high at the trade deadline, calling it quits on this year. If they opt to acquire additional talent, The Wright Way Network predicts Philadelphia to acquire Indiana Pacers star Bennedict Mathurin, cementing their desire to contend for a title.
“Trading for Benedict Mathurin will give the 76ers a consistent scorer, which they are in dire need of. Mathurin is in his third year in the NBA and averaging 16.5 PTS on pretty efficient shooting numbers,” TWSN’s Matt Shovelson wrote. “The 76ers sit at 27th in the NBA in points per game and need a consistent offensive threat due to all the injuries on the roster.”
Is this a smart move at this point in the season? Probably not. But if Philadelphia is set on competing, Mathurin is quite an appetizing trade target. He is a reliable guard in the second-to-last season of a four-year, $29.9 million contract. His inexpensive deal would still allow the Sixers’ front office to shake things up this offseason, when they likely fall short of hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
The biggest obstacle that would potentially prevent this trade is Indiana’s lack of motive to deal him, considering they’re in a similar situation to the 76ers. The Pacers are coming off an Eastern Conference Finals, battling just to meet their expectations.
Before the organization starts searching around the league for trade targets, they must first decide if fighting back from 11 games under .500 is worth it.
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