Philadelphia 76ers trade rumors: 3 players the Sixers are targeting ahead of the deadline

Atlanta Hawks v Denver Nuggets
Atlanta Hawks v Denver Nuggets

The NBA trade deadline will close next week ahead of the annual NBA All-Star Event in North Carolina. The trade window has historically closed on the Thursday after the All-Star Game, however, since 2018, the deadline has closed 10 days before the NBA's best players face off in the prestigious game.

The deadline was moved forward in order to allow traded players to sort out arrangements for themselves and their families, and the NBA is unlikely to move the deadline back anytime soon. Nevertheless, the trade deadline is still one of the most exciting times for NBA fans, and the seven days are likely to provide a number of twists and turns.

The Philadelphia 76ers are currently battling for homecourt advantage in the playoffs, however, the team still has serious depth issues. The team's star trio of Jimmy Butler, Ben Simmons, and Joel Embiid has fuelled the Sixers success, although the team often struggles when calling upon their reserve options. So as we enter the final few days of the trade window, here are three players that the Sixers are currently targeting.


#3 Carmelo Anthony

Houston Rockets v Los Angeles Lakers
Houston Rockets v Los Angeles Lakers

Carmelo Anthony was recently traded by the Houston Rockets to the Chicago Bulls although the 10-time All-Star is expected to be on the move once again before the trade deadline. The Bulls have no chance of making the playoffs, and Melo himself will have no interest in playing for one of the NBA's worst teams.

While Anthony is no longer an All-Star, the veteran is still seen as a valuable asset due to his minimum salary, and the Sixers have been credited with interest alongside the Lakers and the Heat. While the 34-year-old may not be the Sixers first choice heading into the deadline, there is no doubting that Anthony is an upgrade over the majority of the Sixers current reserves. Melo is a high volume scorer who could contribute points from the Sixers bench until the end of the season, and Philadelphia may follow up their initial interest in the next few days.

#2 Jeremy Lin

Atlanta Hawks v Boston Celtics
Atlanta Hawks v Boston Celtics

Despite failing to break into the Atlanta Hawks starting lineup this season, Jeremy Lin has still managed to impress from the bench. The former Knicks man has averaged 11 points and 3.7 assists in just 20 minutes per contest, and Sporting News is reporting that the Sixers are among a number of interested teams:

When the Hawks traded for Lin last summer, the hope was that he could be a veteran presence for the first part of the season for young point guard Trae Young, then could be swapped for a rebuilding asset. A first-rounder would do the trick. The Pelicans and Sixers have also inquired about Lin, and the Hawks may be able to create some bidding for his services ahead of the deadline.

Lin has finally returned to full fitness over the last six months after having his career derailed by a series of injuries. The 30-year-old will become a free agent in the summer, and if the Sixers can acquire Lin for a draft pick, a deal makes sense.

#1 Dewayne Dedmon

Atlanta Hawks v Brooklyn Nets
Atlanta Hawks v Brooklyn Nets

While Joel Embiid is among the NBA's most dominant centers, there is no doubting that the Sixers are lacking a reliable backup for their Cameroonian star. Both Mike Muscala and Amir Johnson are more effective when playing at power forward and a lack of depth may hurt the Sixers during the playoffs.

Nevertheless, it seems that the Sixers are open to adding a new big man, as ESPN is reporting that the Sixers are interested in bringing in a new center in the form of Dewayne Dedmon:

Atlanta Hawks big man Dewayne Dedmon has drawn the 76ers' interest, sources tell ESPN. He would bring athleticism and defense, along with shooting.
But in order to get him, the 76ers would likely have to do something they have so far been resistant to, per sources: trading former No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz

Dedmon has slowly developed into a force at both ends of the court, and the 29-year-old is this season averaging 10.3 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, while also shooting 37% from beyond the arc. Dedmon would provide a huge boost to the Sixers bench, and this is a trade that Philadelphia needs to seal ahead of the deadline.

Quick Links

Edited by Sripad