December 23, 2024
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Speculations about trades involving the Philadelphia 76ers continue, with the team being associated with yet another ex-All-Star.

As the NBA trade deadline looms closer, the Philadelphia 76ers find themselves at the center of various trade speculations. Equipped with assets acquired in the James Harden trade, Daryl Morey has ample resources to potentially enhance the team’s roster in the upcoming weeks.

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The recent trade involving OG Anunoby, who was traded to the New York Knicks, had linked him closely to the Sixers prior to the deal. While some fans have expressed interest in targeting Pascal Siakam, the rumor mill on that front appears relatively quiet.

Leading up to their matchup with the New York Knicks last Friday, the Sixers emerged in connection with another former All-Star in the Eastern Conference. Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes, discussing the availability of Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray, reported that multiple teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers, are keeping tabs on him. However, Haynes suggests that Murray may not be the Sixers’ top priority in terms of trade targets.

Dejounte Murray, 27, previously earned All-Star honors and was a steals champion during his tenure with the San Antonio Spurs. In the current season with the Atlanta Hawks, he has participated in 33 games, boasting averages of 20.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. Notably, Murray has showcased an improved three-point shooting performance, hitting a career-high 38.3% from beyond the arc on six attempts per game.

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Standing at 6-foot-5 with a wingspan of 6-foot-10, Murray fits the two-archetype that aligns with the Sixers’ current player preferences. His ability to average 1.5 steals per game adds a defensive dimension, and he could potentially complement Tyrese Maxey in the backcourt. However, one potential obstacle for the Sixers in pursuing a trade for Murray is his contract. Starting next season, he will embark on a four-year, $114 million deal signed in the past offseason. Considering the Sixers’ projected substantial cap space for the upcoming offseason, acquiring a player with such a significant financial impact may not align with their current plans.

The dynamic of the trade rumors adds an extra layer of intrigue to the Sixers’ ongoing season. As they navigate the complexities of potential player acquisitions, they must weigh the immediate impact on the team’s performance against the long-term financial implications. Daryl Morey’s strategic decisions leading up to the trade deadline will undoubtedly shape the team’s trajectory for the rest of the season and beyond. The fans and pundits alike will be keenly observing how the Sixers choose to utilize their trade assets and whether they make a move that significantly alters the team’s composition.

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