Section 215
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers: 5 potential trade candidates to avoid this offseason

By David Esser

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 06: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots during pre game warm ups during Game Seven of the Western Conference first round series against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on June 6, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 06: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots during pre game warm ups during Game Seven of the Western Conference first round series against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on June 6, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia 76ers Kemba Walker
May 22, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Boston Celtics guard Kemba Walker (8) drives the ball defended by Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports /

Kemba Walker, Boston Celtics

Now obviously a Simmons-to-Boston trade isn’t happening unless the Sixers are getting back Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown (and even that feels pretty darn unlikely), but there’s always the possibility that some sort of three-team trade gets orchestrated. A trade where Kemba Walker lands in Philadelphia and Simmons lands somewhere else that isn’t Boston.

Before even getting too deep down that rabbit hole, no, the Sixers should not be exploring any possible moves for Kemba.

While similar to DLo, Kemba presents a better “fit” alongside Embiid due to his perimeter scoring ability, Kemba’s career has very much started to trend in the wrong direction due to some lingering knee issues. His defense was a noticeable problem for Boston this past season, and his quickness simply isn’t comparable to what it was in Charlotte.

Kemba also shot just 36% from three this past season – the Sixers need to be acquiring a much better shooter this offseason if they do in fact trade away Simmons.

The only reason I bring up Kemba is due to the fact that he’s reportedly set to be moved this offseason as well, due to some frustrations that have been brewing in connection to the Celtics front office. Even if he could be acquired at a cheap cost, Kemba just isn’t someone who can lift the Sixers into title contention at this stage of his basketball playing career.