Philadelphia 76ers: 3 potential deadline trades to fix the Sixers’ bench

76ers get: Jeremy Lin, 2019 first-round pick

Hawks get: Markelle Fultz, Furkan Korkmaz

For the Sixers’ sake:

Backup point guard is a soft spot in the Sixers roster. Fan-favorite T.J. McConnell is the backup, but some of the guard’s limitations have come to light this season.

McConnell doesn’t score in bunches, which is a bad combo for a team that ranks 24th in bench points per game, according to Hoops Stats. Although McConnell’s field-goal percentage is high, the 6-foot-2 ‘floor general’ simply doesn’t shoot enough to warrant an offensive threat.

On average, McConnell puts up 5.5 shots per game.

Lin, who would slide into McConnell’s spot in the rotation, is more of an offensive threat off the bench. Lin shoots about two more shots a game, and he cashes in on 10.8 PPG. Despite the hype surrounding Lin’s entrance into the Association, the Harvard grad is quietly shooting a career-high 46.8% from the field this season.

Lin’s scoring ability allows him to slide over to shooting guard easily; something McConnell is less apt to do. This may serve the Sixers well if Brett Brown decides to pair him with Ben Simmons, or if J.J. Redick rests a few games late in the campaign.

Part of the hypothetical deal would bring in a first-round pick to Philly. This is in large part because the former number one overall pick would be shipped to Atlanta.

The Hawks will most likely have two first-round picks in the 2019 draft. Breaking off one of these picks may be the price to pay to land a talented guard in need of a fresh start.

For the Hawks’ sake:

Fultz has had a mysterious start to his career in Philadelphia. From the mixtapes to memes to the “yips” to a reported Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Fultz has yet to develop into a comfortable rhythm with his first team without headlines.

Atlanta may be the best spot for him to come into his own. The Hawks are sure that Trae Young is their Point Guard of the future. Young’s impressive 16.8 PPG and 7.4 APG got him a nod in the Rising Stars Challenge in the fast-approaching all-star weekend.

Fultz can sit behind Young and fill out a roster that is bursting with young talent. Surrounding a player with young talent like Atlanta has could eliminate expectation and help Fultz grow into his own.

According to Hollinger Team Statistics, the Hawks are first in the NBA in pace (possessions per game). When Fultz returns, his knack for pushing the ball and finishing fast-breaks could find a welcoming home.

Putting Korkmaz into the deal could bolster a squad that already loves the three. The Hawks are fifth in the NBA in threes attempted per game.

Let it fly, Kork.