New 76ers Trade Targets Might Have Just Been Leaked
The James Harden era didn't go the way the Philadelphia 76ers planned, but we can't dwell on that. The 2023-24 NBA season is still young and the Sixers are still one of the Eastern Conference's better teams, meaning general manager Daryl Morey needs to focus on what he can still do rather than what could've been.
With how competitive Morey can be, don't be shocked if he gets Joel Embiid some help sooner rather than later. After all, HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reports that Philadelphia could potentially already have its sights set on four specific trade targets.
Reporting on what’s next for the 76ers after the James Harden trade: Joel Embiid’s future, free agency for Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris, targeting Zach LaVine, OG Anunoby, Donovan Mitchell and Bojan Bogdanovic with @PompeyOnSixers on the @hoopshype pod. https://t.co/YsdAeAipuh
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) November 2, 2023
Rumored 76ers Trade Targets
On Thursday's edition of the 'HoopsHype Podcast,' Scotto indicated that the 76ers will likely "keep an eye" on the following players going forward:
- Zach LaVine (CHI)
- OG Anunoby (TOR)
- Donovon Mitchell (CLE)
- Bojan Bogdanovic (DET)
During the summer, the Chicago Bulls were one of Harden's rumored landing spots and any trade likely would've seen LaVine head to Philadelphia. The veteran wing is averaging 24.5 points across seven seasons with the Bulls, making him the perfect second option behind Embiid.
Having said that, Mitchell would look great in a 76ers uniform, too. After averaging a career-high 28.3 PPG last year, the 27-year-old sharpshooter is averaging 31.5 this season. Considering how an extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers is far from guaranteed, a trade to Philly is a possibility.
Mitchell and Lavine both have some length remaining on their contracts. They're signed through 2025 and 2026, respectively, with player options at the end.
Nevertheless, targeting Anunoby makes sense given his history with head coach Nick Nurse. Anunoby was a sophomore when Nurse became the Toronto Raptors head coach, followed by the duo winning the 2018-19 NBA Finals just one season later.
Adding Anunoby would strengthen the 76ers on both sides of the court. When it comes to defense, the 26-year-old just earned All-Defensive Second Team honors while being the league steals leader last season. Offensively, he's averaging 16.6 points on .468/.381/.796 shooting splits and currently leads the NBA with an 88.2% two-point percentage.
And then there's Bogdanovic, who'd likely be the easiest of the quartet to target. Not only is he the oldest of the group (34), but he's also sidelined for at least the next three weeks with a calf strain. Still, Bogdanovic just averaged a career-high 21.6 PPG last season and shouldn't have an issue being a scoring threat once he's healthy again.
Anunoby and Bogdanovic's contracts are on the shorter end. Anunboy has a $19.9 million player option at the end of the year whereas Bogdanovic hits free agency following the 2024-25 campaign.
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