NBA Rumors: 76ers Eye 'Traditional' Center at Trade Deadline to Back Up Joel Embiid

The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly looking to fortify their depth behind Joel Embiid.

Kyle Neubeck of the Philly Voice reported the Sixers are seeking to acquire a "traditional" center at the deadline to play behind their All-Star big man.

The Sixers have largely been underwhelmed with the play of Montrezl Harrell and understand his defensive issues could be a factor in a seven-game series. Neubeck suggested the team could look into reacquiring Andre Drummond from the Chicago Bulls at the Feb. 9 deadline.

Drummond played 49 games with the Sixers last season before being part of the trade package Philadelphia sent to the Brooklyn Nets for James Harden at the 2022 deadline. The veteran big man signed a two-year contract with the Bulls in the offseason but has seen his playing time dry up in recent weeks.

The Sixers' path toward making a big trade is narrow given their roster composition, but they're likely to make moves to improve on the margins. They're among the teams that could be active in the buyout market, and that could wind up being an easier avenue to find a veteran center.

Philadelphia also needs more consistent three-and-D wings on the outside, but those are coveted around the league. Matisse Thybulle would likely have to be dangled in trade talks for the Sixers to find a true impact player, and the front office has been hesitant for years to pull the trigger on a deal.