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Sixers reportedly looking to trade back into first-round

By George Kondoleon

Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Bryan Colangelo during an introduction press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Bryan Colangelo during an introduction press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Sixers are trying to utilize their second-round picks to trade back into the first-round, who could they be targeting?

The Sixers hold the number one pick in the draft, but are trying to add another first-rounder to their plate. TNT’s David Aldridge reports that Philadelphia is offering the 36th and 39th pick for an additional first-rounder that will land somewhere in the twenties.

This is Bryan Colangelo’s way of alleviating the trickiness of using four second-round picks with limited roster spots as the team heads into free agency. In doing so, the Sixers would be able to move up in the draft and add another talented piece to complement what will be looked at as the most fearful young core in the next few seasons.

Question is, if Colangelo’s quest back into the second-round is successful, who are they targeting? Tough to say if the team has one player that they are keen on taking, but they could be moving up some spots to snag a fringe first-round pick they believe can mesh well with the rest of the roster.

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The Sixers could look to add wing depth, with the hopes of Semi Ojeleye, OG Anunoby, or Terrance Ferguson still being on the board. Or the team could be looking to add more depth at the guard position, even with the expected Markelle Fultz situation. Derrick White has been a point guard that has seen a late push upward as the draft approaches.

Or, they could be looking to add a backup big man. There was no word that Jahlil Okafor would be offered in a trade, but the Sixers would be in range of centers like Ike Anigbogu, Caleb Swanigan, and maybe even once-touted prospect Harry Giles.

The Sixers looking to move these picks are a sign that Colangelo doesn’t want to just waste second-round picks on stash players they don’t deem as valuable as those who could help the team right away. The truth is, this class isn’t loaded with great stash options as the last few drafts have been. This way, the Sixers can still get a player they value while alleviating the need to strategize how multiple picks would factor into this roster.

The Sixers may have an easier time moving up in the draft, as news that the projected cap for this summer dropped below expectations and will stand at $99 million. Teams could be looking to add multiple valued contracts, instead of banking on one late-first. For instance, the Raptors don’t have much mobility in free agency, and could value bringing in two cheap contracts rather than one in the late-first.

Next: Sixers: Pressure to win now

It’ll continue to be a busy day for the Sixers, and if the team values versatility, they’ll take a shot on a high-ceiling wing. OG Anunoby would be a steal that late in the draft, and it’s all just another result of asset accumulation. The team has upward mobility in this draft, and that could be an important aspect for the team moving forward. The Process can be a beautiful thing sometimes.