2015 Trade Deadline Primer: Who Could Be On The Move?

Trade talk seemed to encompass the entire 2013-14 NBA season for the Philadelphia 76ers, but this year has been much different. Outside of the rare salary dump (Ronny Turiaf is sorely missed), this year's team does not have the same quality of assets, such as Thaddeus Young, Spencer Hawes and Evan Turner, that made Philadelphia worth trading with. However, there are some players Sam Hinkie would be willing to part with at the right price, albeit less intriguing than the aforementioned name. We sorted them into three super easy categories: most likely, maybe but probably not and no chance,

Most Likely

Henry Sims - Sims is a restricted free agent this summer, and would cost the Sixers $1.18 million if they chose to extend him a qualifying offer. That's a fair number for what Sims has brought to this team, but it would probably be in Philadelphia's best interest to try and get some value for him while they still can. The former Georgetown big man is averaging 9.0 points per game on 48.9% shooting, and his game is based primarily on offense. He shoots above 40% from mid-range, and is a pretty good pick-and-pop partner. However, most playoff teams are going to be looking for a defensively minded player as their third big man, which makes Sims a tough sell. Maybe Cleveland wants something a little better than Brendan Haywood? It wouldn't take anymore than a second round pick (shocker!) for Sims' services, and that's a small price to pay for a team to shore up their bench.

Luc Mbah a Moute - Mbah a Moute is the most likely player to be moved, if anyone at all. The start of his season wasn't too hot, but the team has improved vastly as the former UCLA forward has found his niche. Always known for his defensive abilities as a perimeter defender, he's done a good job of adjusting to a post defender. He won't pull down a ton of rebounds, but the combination of good footwork and speed is enough to limit bigger opponents. On the offensive end, his mid-range jumper is nothing to scoff at. His value isn't worth more than a second round pick or a prospect type, but he is exactly the kind of guy a competing team is looking for.

Andrei Kirilenko - Kirilenko is still on the team, in a ways. The Sixers suspended Kirilenko in January for not reporting to the team, but Kirilenko's decision never really came as a surprise. Philadelphia was hoping they could showcase the 33-year-old for two months and then ship him out to the highest bidder, but with a bed ridden wife and little desire to play for a bad team, the plan never came to fruition. Philadelphia could still look to move him, but unless his wife's health took a turn for the better, Kirilenko's return to the league for any team this year seems unlikely.

Maybe But Probably Not

Robert Covington - The Sixers have reportedly made it clear they would like to keep Covington, but it wouldn't be a surprise that he would attract several suitors at the trade deadline. Although his three-point shooting has come down to earth as of late, he's still shooting nearly 39% from beyond the arc. On the defensive side, Covington does a lot of things right. He can defend small forwards and slide over as a small ball four, if need be. He's an above average rebounder, a good help defender, and has found a real knack for picking up steals over the past several games. Teams could have had Covington for free back in October, but Philadelphia should hold him at a premium. Unless they can get a first-round pick -- which would be a total oversell -- then Covington is worth holding onto for the long haul.

Michael Carter-Williams - Super, super, totally unlikely he goes anywhere, but it wouldn't be a total surprise if the Sixers fielded some calls for him on deadline day. They have shown they are willing to listen to offers for him in the past, and February 19th should be no different. He showed last season he has the potential to be a starting point guard in the NBA, but a player with very little semblance of an outside shooting game and a turnover problem is a hard sell, especially for what Philadelphia would likely want for him. It would likely take two first rounders to pluck Carter-Williams away; like Covington, that's probably more than he's worth, but there's no reason for the Sixers to sell low. Finding a team to bite at that price will be hard, however.

No Chance

Nerlens Noel - Noel has performed up to standards in his rookie season, and has shown flashes of a pretty dominant post player. His offensive game still needs work, but his budding post moves show he's got some potential in that area. It seems unlikely a team would even inquire into Noel's availability, and the Sixers would be swift in rejecting any outside interest.

K.J. McDaniels - After signing a one-year deal this summer, McDaniels is slated to become a restricted free agent at the end of the season. There may be some concerns about re-signing him, but Philadelphia views him as part of the future, and selling him off now would make little to no sense.