A handful of NBA squads are finished with their season, and the Philadelphia 76ers are one of them. They’re finished in the sense that, given their record and status in the league, they’re finished. However, they’re not finished in the sense that they have a dreadful 38 games remaining that they must continue to bleed through. With injuries sinking the Sixers’ season, the soon-to-arrive trade deadline could see Philly move on from some of their own.
Trade Rumors and Interest Surround 76ers Role Players
Philadelphia 76ers’ Guerschon Yabusele and Eric Gordon on the Market?
Marc Stein of The Stein Line states that the 76ers are receiving trade interest on Guerschon Yabusele and Eric Gordon. Both players are playing in their first season in Philadelphia—in what was expected to be a significantly greater season than what it is. Yabusele’s role with the Sixers has become more significant, considering Joel Embiid’s continuing injury development. Instead of backing up Embiid, Yabusele has spent much of the season in a starting role and has played relatively well. In 26 minutes per night, the French Olympian averages 10.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 39.4% from three. Those are respectable numbers from the 6’8 big man who was out of the league for a few years.
Gordon’s role with the Sixers has turned out to be considerably less than Yabusele’s, averaging under 20 minutes per game. His points (6.7) and overall numbers are underwhelming. However, Gordon remains one of the league’s best long-range shooters, averaging 39.7% from three.
Stein’s report mentions sources within the NBA brought him the Yabusele/Gordon news, which he laid out on his substack website.
“League sources say that Philadelphia has already received multiple trade offers from playoff-bound teams for Yabusele, who has been an effective addition to the Sixers’ frontcourt after his strong play in the Olympics for the silver-medal-winning hosts.”
Philly to Become Sellers At the Deadline?
If Stein’s sources are correct and the Sixers could shop Gordon and Yabusele, this could be the start of Philly’s selling phase. Trade rumors surrounding the 76ers haven’t been nearly as loud as those of other teams. Although speculation around Paul George’s future has popped up here and there. Nothing solid has come from those whispers, though. Philly would certainly get a good return for Yabusele. He could immediately help a team looking for center or power forward depth. He could also fill that roll as a starter or a back up.
Of course, any talk of teams needing depth at the center position automatically draws your attention to the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s no secret they need and are searching for help behind Anthony Davis. Yabusele would be a perfect fit in LA. The only question is, what is Philly asking for in terms of price? Regardless, if Yabusele gets traded to the Lakers or elsewhere, it could mean Philly is turning their focus on next season with a healthy Embiid and roster. Otherwise, giving Yabusele away would be a head-scratcher, considering his impact on the team and his playing exceptionally well in Embiid’s absence. Yabusele will be a free agent in the summer.
The post Trade Rumors and Interest Surround 76ers Role Players appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.