Potential Philadelphia 76ers Trade Candidates for 2025 NBA Summer Deals
Repackaged Dreams: Reviving the Philadelphia 76ers' Fortunes
Swiping up after a dismal 2024-25 performance, the Philly squad needs a fresh approach to cope with their power forward conundrum.
Tasting the sour flavor of a disastrous 24-win season and a dreaded top-six protected first-round pick owed to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the 76ers descended into a dark abyss. With high hopes after landing nine-time All-Star Paul George, the team was never able to reach its stride due to constant injuries all year long.
But even in misery, silver linings soon emerged. The bottoming-out of their season secured them the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Plus, Jared McCain was set to continue torching nets upon his comeback from a torn meniscus, and that diamonds-in-the-rough find, Quentin Grimes, was on the verge of becoming an unstoppable scoring force.
Yet, salvation for this squad would hinge on whether Joel Embiid could stay healthy. A resilient Embiid would put the 76ers in pole position for an NBA title, especially if George could break free from Old Man Time's grip.
Despite a robust roster, there remains an obvious chink in the 76ers' armor: the power forward spot. To bounce back from last season's nightmare, they need to address this gaping hole.
So, what's a fearless team to do in this situation? Here are some potential trade targets that could reshape the 76ers' lineup this offseason.
Jaren Jackson Jr.
The Memphis Grizzlies have hit a rut, and it doesn't seem like they'll be charging back any time soon. With a questionable future direction, it appears that the mystery surrounding the fate of Jaren Jackson Jr. could boil over. Jackson, a Defensive Player of the Year hopeful, is rumored to be on his way out if he doesn't sign an extension with the Grizzlies[2].
If the 76ers can maintain a calm demeanor and negotiate a trade for Jackson, they'll be presented with an excellent opportunity. Stacking Kelly Oubre Jr., Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, and the third overall pick from 2025 may just be enough to persuade the Grizzlies to part ways with their prized asset[2].
An attacking five of Tyrese Maxey, McCain, George, Jackson, and Embiid would form a formidable unit, and Grimes would continue to scorch the bench as the main scoring option. With their current draft capital, they could be one step closer to challenging the Boston Celtics for Eastern Conference dominance.
Tari Eason
The Rockets are typically hesitant to sell off their up-and-coming talent unless a superstar cashes in, but the 76ers might have found a loophole. Rumors hint at a potential deal that sends the No. 3 pick and a bundle of future draft capital to the Rockets in exchange for promising two-way player Tari Eason.
Eason's versatility would make him an ideal fit with the 76ers, as he excels at locking down defenders and cleaning the glass. In a more prominent role[1], he could develop into a scoring prodigy akin to Dyson Daniels' surprising development with the Atlanta Hawks[1].
However, Eason's health remains cause for concern, as he missed 25 games in the 2023-24 season. But if the 76ers can turn the No. 3 pick into a starting power forward and additional draft picks, they should jump on that opportunity.
Royce O'Neale
With rumors swirling about Kevin Durant's departure from the Phoenix Suns, veteran power forward Royce O'Neale could find himself on the trading block. Trading for O'Neale wouldn't require too much fiddling with resources, making him an attainable target. The 76ers might only need to pull out their checkbook for a mix of Oubre's contract and some undrafted second-round picks to secure O'Neale's services.
Regardless of the path the 76ers choose, addressing their power forward weak spot is crucial if they wish to regain their former glory. After all, a new season is just around the corner, and it won't wait for this team to rise from the ashes.
Sources:
- NBA: The Philadelphia 76ers' off-season strategy for making even more moves
- Exclusive: Philadelphia 76ers Trade Scenarios and draft prospects
- Making sense of the Philadelphia 76ers offseason: Blockbuster trades on the horizon?
The Philadelphia 76ers, fresh from a dismal 2024-25 season, hunt for solutions to their power forward quandary.
Injuries and trades become the new battleground for the 76ers as they aim to secure Jaren Jackson Jr., Tari Eason, or Royce O'Neale to bolster their lineup ahead of the upcoming season.
Acquiring either Jackson or Eason would offer the 76ers an innovative defensive presence, with the potential for high-impact scoring from Jackson and versatility from Eason.
Addressing their power forward weakness is crucial for the 76ers, who aim to reprise their former glory and challenge teams like the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference.
