NBA Trade Rumors: 76ers Would Be Wise to Move Andre Iguodala for Lottery Pick

The Toronto Raptors are reportedly shopping their No. 8 overall selection in this year's draft, according to ESPN.com.

The article states that the Raptors would like to acquire an established, athletic swingman. Rudy Gay and Andre Iguodala are two reported targets.

The Philadelphia 76ers would be wise to heed Toronto's call. Iguodala has a player option for nearly $16 million next season. Philadelphia doesn't need that albatross hanging on their up-and-coming team's books.

Let's take a look at why the 76ers should move Iguodala and who they could select with Toronto's No. 8 pick.

Why Iguodala Must Move

Iguodala's price tag alone makes him a necessary departure for Philadelphia. He is a worthy defender with elite leaping ability, but his production does not warrant star-caliber money.

If Toronto wants to pay for Iggy's steep salary, Philadelphia should jump for joy.

He does bring athleticism, leadership and versatility to any lineup, but he also disappears far too frequently. He never became a go-to scorer, and often forgets the parameters of his offensive game.

The Sixers are a team on the rise. If they can add a dominant scorer down low, they can contend for years to come. Their youth inspires tremendous optimism among Philadelphia followers.

Iguodala, and Elton Brand, do not fit into that scheme. If Iggy wants to fit into that scheme he must take a pay cut.

Averaging 25 points per game would warrant his pay scale, but he doesn't. At best, he is a defensive stopper with a capable scoring arsenal. At worst, he is an overpaid, unaware athlete.

Philadelphia would be smart to shed this cap hit and add a piece in a needed area. They have plenty of talent in the backcourt and on the wing, but they must get stronger down low.

Who Could Philadelphia Select?

Philadelphia would have a variety of options at No. 8 with a few being ideal. Doug Collins would love to see Jared Sullinger, Perry Jones III or John Henson roaming the paint next season.

All three players would fit the Sixers' player profile, and all three have excellent upside.

Sullinger would immediately fill in for Brand's (hopeful) departure. His bulky frame will allow him to carve out space underneath immediately. He is on the shorter side of an ideal NBA power forward, but he understands how to play.

He has underrated mid-range touch, and he could give the Sixers the interior scorer they currently lack.

Jones III would be an extremely risky pick, but he would fit Philadelphia's current roster. He would have to buy in defensively, but his athleticism would be a match made in heaven.

Jones III would not bang down low like Sullinger, but he would stretch the floor. His versatility will pull forwards out of the paint and open things up down low for Philadelphia's other interior options.

If you want upside, Jones is the guy. He is the ultimate boom-or-bust scenario.

My personal favorite is Henson. He has a ridiculous wingspan, defends at an elite level and his offensive repertoire is ever-improving.

Henson's athleticism and face-up game would mesh with the Sixers' current players, and he is still getting better. His stock will continue to rise as his offensive skills develop.

The Sixers would benefit from Henson's intimidating shot-blocking presence.

Philadelphia could also take a guard, or a different forward, but I wouldn't count on it. It doesn't necessarily matter who they take.

The first step is shedding Iguodala's overpriced play and adding more bang for their buck.