Report: Timberwolves trade Robert Covington to Rockets in 4-team deal

The Philadelphia 76ers had emerged as one of the top potential landing spots for Robert Covington before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, but he’s now off the table. As ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported, the Minnesota Timberwolves have agreed to send Covington to the Houston Rockets as part of a massive four-team deal.

Wojnarowski also added that this trade could potentially get even bigger.

It’s not too surprising that the Rockets ultimately landed Covington. Daryl Morey is an aggressive GM and the Timberwolves’ asking price was high. Seeing as the Sixers’ priority should be adding some ball handling and playmaking to their offense that desperately needs creation (rather than just shooting), it makes sense for them to use assets elsewhere. Paying out a big package to beat the Rockets for Covington wouldn’t have been wise given the Sixers’ other weaknesses they need to address.

It’s also worth noting how little the Hawks gave up to get Clint Capela — Evan Turner and a mid first-round pick isn’t much. While their skillsets are very different, it’s worth considering how much the Sixers may be able to get in a trade for Al Horford (if/when that ever happens) if the Hawks landed Capela for this little. Capela is eight years younger, and on a much cheaper contract for the next three years ($55.63 million compared to Horford at $81 million remaining).

Malik Beasley would have been another good target for the Sixers, who they had reportedly expressed interest in, and could have offered a little creativity off the bounce and a boost of three-point shooting.

Now, with Covington off the board, the Sixers’ focus should move to a guard who can do more for their offense. There isn’t long left before the deadline to see if they can make a deal (or two) to help this team get back on track.