NBA Trade Rumors: 10 Players Philadelphia 76ers Should Target To Improve Playoff Hopes
The Sixers are currently the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference and with the trade deadline approaching, there are definitely opportunities to improve the roster. Of course there are big names out there like Carmelo Anthony and Steve Nash that may be on the move, but do not expect the big blockbuster deal for Philly.
However, there still may be a deal out there that makes sense and that will improve the team. Here are 10 players the Sixers should consider.
Andrew Bynum
1 of 10
The Lakers have reportedly opened their stance on trading Andrew Bynum.
The initial reports that are surfacing have him landing in Denver in a deal that would send Anthony to the Lakers. As scary as Kobe and Melo would be together, this may just be a rumor. However, there are some who believe that the Lakers would consider moving Bynum. Imagine a scenario in which Bynum is sent to Philly in a three team deal that lands Anthony in L.A.
The only problem is that Bynum coming here may require Andre Iguodala and several other assets heading to Denver and in the long run, it may only weaken the Sixers. However, big man is certainly a need and if the Sixers could somehow acquire Bynum without giving up too much, he could definitely strengthen the team.
Aaron Brooks
2 of 10
Reports are surfacing that the Rockets may be interested in dumping Aaron Brooks. It is a little unclear exactly what they want in return at this point, but Brooks could certainly provide some back court help.
He could be the backup to Jrue Holiday, thus allowing Lou Williams to focus 100 percent on scoring when he comes in off the bench while letting Brooks run the offense.
Brooks' shooting ability would also spread out the floor nicely for wings like Evan Turner and Thaddeus Young.
Wilson Chandler
3 of 10
Wilson Chandler would be a nice addition to the Sixers lineup. His greatest asset is the simple fact that he can play three positions and shoot the lights out. Chandler can comfortably rotate between SG, SF and PF and that sort of versatility is something that the Sixers pride themselves in.
Although adding him would be nice, the Knicks seem to be using him as their blue chip piece to acquire Carmelo Anthony, so he may be off limits to other teams. Nevertheless, he is definitely worth the Sixers keeping an eye on.
Ron Artest
4 of 10
Why not?
This would definitely be a long shot, but the Charlotte Bobcats are reportedly interested in acquiring Artest and one would have to believe that we have assets equal to or better than theirs. Artest would simply bring a different presence to the Sixers. He would be a nasty, fiery player that would certainly aid in the defensive improvements that Collins is fostering in Philly.
As I said before, it's a long shot, but it couldn't hurt for Philly to give L.A. a call just to see what it would take.
Chris Kaman
5 of 10
Center is clearly the biggest position of need for the Sixers right now and a decent center like Chris Kaman would only help.
Kaman is on the dismal L.A. Clippers and a change of scenery could certainly be good for him. Kaman could reunite with Brand in Philly to create a nice punch in the front court for the Sixers. The Clippers probably would not demand to much from Philly on the grounds that they are struggling right now, and a young player or two and a pick should be enough to pry Kaman away.
Gerald Wallace
6 of 10
Although another SG, SF type player may clog things up in Philly's rotation, Wallace could provide a nice burst on the offensive end and in transition while being very aggressive on the defensive end. But that is basically what Iguodala does and Iguodala would probably have to be in the trade.
If that is the case, the Sixers would have to demand other assets from Charlotte along the lines of additional players or picks to see any added benefit, but Wallace could be an interesting piece and Charlotte is certainly willing to talk about him in a trade.
J.J. Hickson
7 of 10
Hickson is a talented young big man that could provide some nice depth for the Sixers. Speights has been good in stints, but his consistency is certainly an issue. Hickson could come in and perhaps replace Speights as the big man option off the bench in conjunction with Tony Battie.
Hickson would not be a vast improvement, but he could certainly help.
Danilo Gallinari
8 of 10
Gallinari's size, shooting touch and ability would go well with what the Sixers have. Do not expect this deal to happen because Gallinari's name has not really been floating around like Wilson Chandler's has, but he would be an interesting acquisition for the Sixers.
Monta Ellis
9 of 10
Ellis to Philly is certainly a long shot, but the Warriors are struggling, so he could certainly be on the move. The Sixers may have to give up a lot to get him and probably too much to be exact, but if the Warriors make him available, the Sixers should at least inquire.
No One
10 of 10
This is the No. 1 option for Philly as far as trades go. Collins has the team gelling nicely, so a trade is not necessary. Expect the team to stay for the most part intact throughout the deadline. Collins believes in this bunch and has them believing in themselves.
