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ESPN Insider Adrian Wojnarowski appeared on NBA Countdown to break down some of Sixers’ trade deadline plans.
Woj said this, when asked about the possibility of the Sixers tying up some loose ends and improving the team:
“Daryl Morey, their president, has been active [on the trade market]. He’s always looking for the big blockbuster deal — that may not be available at this trade deadline. Two areas where the Sixers would like to improve, I’m told: getting a 4/5 man, a power forward or center that can shoot the ball. Perhaps a player like Sacramento’s Nemanja Bjelica, who is available in this marketplace. They have some specialist like Shake Milton or Matisse Thybulle who do one thing well, can they find find some two-way players for their bench as we get closer to the deadline.”
It seems like the Sixers are intent on improving their bench, which has certainly regressed over time this season. Nemanja Bjelica would make an excellent target for the Sixers, as he could play the 4 or 5 spot off the bench. He’s a talented shooter, shooting over 39 percent from 3 over the span of his career. The Sixers appear to want a two-way player to go along with this report, someone that isn’t a one dimensional player. Who or how the Sixers plan to deal remains to be seen.
It seems like any blockbuster trade dreams like acquiring Washington’s Bradley Beal or Chicago’s Zach LaVine will have to be put on hold as Woj’s wording suggests that moves of that caliber won’t be happening in the next month. While that may be disappointing to some, the Sixers already have a good team as is. Patching up holes in their current roster can make this really good team a great one overnight.
The Sixers are a good team, but they certainly have their flaws — especially with the bench unit. Daryl Morey will have a tough task ahead of him in making moves to improve the team with limited assets. Expect rumors to continue to pick up from here.