76ers Should Go All-In for Damian Lillard amid Tyrese Maxey, NBA Trade Rumors in FA

The Philadelphia 76ers might hold the NBA's trump card in Damian Lillard trade talks.

Of course, that only really matters if they're willing to play it.

So far, it sounds like there's major resistance on their side. Tyrese Maxey, arguably the best player mentioned in Dame megadeal discussions, might be out of reach for anyone, as Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer reported the Sixers have "strongly indicated their combo guard is unavailable in trade conversations."

Granted, it's possible this is just posturing, but it better be. As good as Maxey is now and as great as he might become moving forward, letting him stand in the way of a potential Lillard trade would be a mistake.

Lillard Could Be the Perfect Co-star for Joel Embiid

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BOSTON, MA - MAY 14: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on May 14, 2023 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Sixers are in the market for Joel Embiid's next co-star. All previous attempts to fill that role have failed.

Jimmy Butler played a great partial season in Philly, but the Sixers balked at giving him the mix, so he bounced. Ben Simmons never became the offensive threat needed to handle that role. James Harden has had some strong statistical outbursts, but his playoff resume is spotty at best, and he wants out.

Lillard gives the Sixers a chance to finally get this right. His game is a hand-in-glove fit with Embiid's, as the two could pick-and-roll opponents into oblivion. Lillard can lead the offense, but he's also a dynamic catch-and-shoot player, meaning he wouldn't simply be standing and watching when Philly played through Embiid in the post.

Now, Lillard, of course, seems laser-focused on getting to the Miami Heat, but that shouldn't prevent the Portland Trail Blazers from shipping him out for the best offer on the table. Sure, he might not be jazzed at the idea of heading elsewhere intially, but "Lillard's sterling reputation of commitment and professionalism also has team executives pondering whether he would truly balk at an unexpected team acquiring the 32-year-old," Fischer reported.

Maxey Is Good, but Greatness Isn't Guaranteed

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BOSTON, MA - MAY 14: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals of the 2023 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics on May 14, 2023 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Maxey appears on the fast track to stardom.

This past season, he averaged 20-plus points for the first time. More impressively, he hit that mark while serving as Philly's third option and posting a pristine 48.1/43.4/84.5 shooting slash. And, oh yeah, he hasn't even celebrated his 23rd birthday yet (that's not coming until November).

His future is blindingly bright. It makes sense for the 76ers to be cautious about giving up.

But, if you take their words at face value, they aren't merely being cautious; they're saying a Maxey deal isn't happening. That's a step too far when a player of Lillard's caliber is up for grabs. It's (far) more likely than not Maxey's ceiling never reaches the level Lillard is already at. Philly, which needs to keep Embiid happy and try like heck to take home a title during his prime, should value Lillard's elite production more than Maxey's good-to-great potential.

Landing Lillard Means Keeping Him Away from Miami

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 06: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat in action against Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers during a game at Wells Fargo Center on April 6, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Heat defeated the 76ers 129-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

The 76ers shouldn't need extra motivation to make a move for Lillard. Not when he could be the key that unlocks their championship potential.

Still, there would be an obvious side benefit to getting a super-swap done. If Lillard comes to Philadelphia, that means he's not going to the Miami Heat, who have played in three of the last four Eastern Conference finals and booked two Finals trips in this stretch despite needing an impact shot-creator to steer their half-court attack.

The Sixers', whose misstep on Butler effectively turned the Heat into perennial contenders, now have a chance to even the score. While Miami can obviously win without Lillard, its entire offseason strategy is built around acquiring him. Tyler Herro, who plays a pivotal role in this offense, has already started planning for life after South Beach.

The 76ers can throw a major wrench in those plans, simultaneously increasing their championship odds and perhaps wrecking those of a direct competitor.