NBA Trade Rumors: Philadelphia 76ers Running Out Of Options For Major Draft Day Trades
Since it has been rumored that the Philadelphia 76ers are taking Ben Simmons with the first overall pick, they are no longer on the clock. But if the 76ers want to make a draft day trade, they must hurry, because the clock is ticking. As many of the NBA trade rumors are becoming realities, the 76ers are somewhat stuck waiting to see what will happen as the NBA Draft draws closer.
By taking Ben Simmons, the Philadelphia 76ers will have a glut of forwards and centers. Joel Embiid and Dario Saric have yet to play a game in the NBA, but the Sixers will not trade them. Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor, on the other hand, can be had via trade.
Two of the 76ers’ potential trade targets, Derrick Rose and Jeff Teague, landed with new teams a day before the draft day festivities.
Rose drawing the 76ers interest was the topic of discussion on Twitter and Chicago’s 670 The Score. There were rumblings about a potential trade taking place between the 76ers and Bulls for Rose. That was until the Knicks offered the Bulls Robin Lopez, Jerian Grant and Jose Calderon. It is not known what the 76ers were offering the Bulls for Derrick Rose. Either the Bulls wanted more in return than just Nerlens Noel or Jahlil Okafor, or the Knicks got their offer in first.
The Bulls and 76ers were discussing a Derrick Rose trade earlier today before Chicago decided to take the Knicks offer, per source.
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 22, 2016
Before the 76ers became interested in Derrick Rose, Jeff Teague was the apple of their eye. Just three weeks ago CBS Sports reported that the 76ers and Hawks were in talks regarding a swap of Noel and Teague. Everything seemed good to go until the momentum of the talks stalled considerably.What the Hawks got in return for Jeff Teague was the 12th pick in the draft.
It remains to be seen if the Hawks will draft a player comparable to Nerlens Noel.
Two prime candidates are now unavailable. Where will the 76ers go for a point guard now?
One option is Eric Bledsoe of the Phoenix Suns.
Bledsoe is a good player when healthy. He is more of a combo guard than a lead guard. Not that it would change anything. The Suns have a reasonably good frontcourt also. Adding Noel or Okafor could stymie the development of Alex Len. Phoenix may not pass up on the opportunity to add a rim protector like Noel. Their interest in Okafor is not yet known.
Another team who could be interested in dealing with the Philadelphia 76ers are the Houston Rockets.
The Rockets may not have Dwight Howard, who will test free agency when it starts in about a week. Nerlens Noel would be an ideal fit for the Rockets because he can run the floor and defend. Since Jahlil Okafor is strong low post scorer, he would do fine in Houston also.
Other teams who could be involved in trade talks with the 76ers for Noel or Okafor are the Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors and New Orleans Pelicans. At the end of the day, it will probably be the Boston Celtics that the 76ers make a deal with.
#Celtics reportedly targeting Nerlens Noel in draft day trade https://t.co/qSuF3b4198
— Jeremy Chisenhall (@JSChisenhall) June 22, 2016
The Celtics can offer Philadelphia the third overall pick. Doing so will allow the 76ers to take Kris Dunn. Dunn, with the proper tutelage, can become a good point guard. Getting the No. 3 pick would most likely cost the 76ers Jahlil Okafor. Do not be surprised if a deal between the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics takes place with a few players changing addresses.
Not being able to swing a deal for Derrick Rose or Jeff Teague has taken away two trade options that 76ers were strongly considering. Other trades can happen for the 76ers, who will look to add a point guard.
Are the Philadelphia 76ers running out of time?
[Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images]
