Should the Philadelphia 76ers pursue a trade for a former Sixth Man of the Year to potentially revitalize their season?
Following the missed opportunity to acquire OG Anunoby, there is now a stronger inclination within the 76ers front office to maintain the current roster. The team has demonstrated competitiveness and is considered a contender, particularly when key players are in good health.
However, given past decisions, it is unlikely that Daryl Morey and the front office will dismiss the idea of an in-season trade easily. The team is led by players who are not immune to injuries, making it a necessity, rather than a luxury, to further improve the team’s depth.
In this context, the article suggests considering a trade for Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson, who is reportedly available for trade. Despite a slow start to the season, Clarkson, a former Sixth Man of the Year recipient in 2021, remains a proven and valuable scorer, especially off the bench. While his recent performance has been subpar, his scoring ability is well-established, and a temporary slump may not diminish his overall value.
The 76ers, known for being injury-prone, often face challenges with bench depth when key players are unavailable. This creates an opportunity for the front office to acquire a player who can contribute as a starter when needed and provide scoring off the bench when the main players are healthy.
However, the article argues against pursuing Clarkson for several reasons. Firstly, the 76ers already have veterans like Kelly Oubre Jr. and Marcus Morris Sr. who can contribute off the bench, albeit not in the same explosive manner as Clarkson. Additionally, Clarkson’s contract, with two more seasons after the current one and an average annual salary of $23.4 million, is deemed unattractive to the 76ers, particularly as they plan to focus on acquiring talent through free agency in the upcoming year.
In conclusion, while Jordan Clarkson could be an appealing option for teams aiming for immediate success, the article suggests that the 76ers, given their current roster and financial considerations, do not have a compelling need for his skill set, especially considering his relatively high salary.