Five potential Sixers trades before the 2023 close

The Philadelphia 76ers organization has been patient enough to take the time to build a respectful team that will be a contender for winning the NBA championship. It’s been nearly a decade, and the Sixers still haven’t made the Eastern Conference Finals. It seems like they’re a walk or two away from going all the way, and it’s the perfect timing to see the 2023 Sixers trade deadline targets.

Sixers’ trading deadline is targeting 2023

Having Joel Embiid, the NBA’s leading scorer from last year, and James Harden, the former league MVP, seems like enough for the Sixers to attack the NBA championship.

Still, head coach Doc Rivers has a few trading ideas for the 76ers. With the trade deadline right around the corner, let’s take a look at the latest Sixers rumors and top trade candidates.

Chase Collins and Bogdanovic

Atlanta Hawks’ John Collins and Bogdan Bogdanovic are at the forefront of Sixers’ 2023 trade deadline goals. Collins is an electrifying power forward who would be a great fit alongside Embiid. He’s a great rebounder who brings a lot of energy to the pitch and would play even better alongside a goalscorer like Embiid. His season averages of 13.5 points and 7.7 rebounds per game with the Hawks don’t sound great, but he would be far more efficient in the Rivers system.

Bogdanovic would be an even more important addition to the Sixers team. The 30-year-old Serb has a lot of winning experience in Europe and has a deadly outside shot. He can create his own shots and will benefit from playing alongside Harden.

To get those two, the Sixers would have to part ways with Tobias Harris, the highest-paid player on the team, and Furkan Korkmaz, who is playing just 10 minutes a game this season.

Make a deal for Conley

Getting an elite point guard is high on the 76’s trading ideas. There aren’t many of those in the league, but Mike Conley is one of the few who could help the Sixers right away.

The veteran has vast experience as he is in his 16th season in the league. His status with the Utah Jazz is not as good as he would like at this point in his career. Conley is one of those players who will definitely be out before the close and there’s no better place for him than Philadelphia.

He’s a passing first point guard that would make Embiid and Harden better players. In the potential deal, the Sixers would also get Argentina’s Leandro Bolmaro and send PJ Tucker, De’Anthony Melton and Furkan Korkmaz to Utah.

Strengthen the backcourt with Rozier

Another option for the Sixers to cover the point guard position is to trade Terry Rozier. The former Boston Celtic is having a good individual season with the Charlotte Hornets, averaging 21.5 points and 5.1 assists per game. The Hornets are building the team around LaMelo Ball, however, and with him back from injury, the Hornets could look to take down Rozier.

The player himself would certainly appreciate a scenario change as he would like to join a winning team. The addition of Rozier will give the Sixers another great goalscorer who’s a decent defender and plays aggressively on both ends of the floor. Rozier is in his prime at 28 and the Sixers would get a point guard for the next few seasons. Bringing in Rozier comes at a hefty price, however, and the Sixers would be without De’Anthony Melton, Matisse Thybulle, Daniel House Jr. and Georges Niang.

Go after more shots from Dallas

Just like the Sixers, the Dallas Mavericks are another team that’s a long way from becoming a real contender. A potential deal between the two teams would see the Sixers get Tim Hardaway Jr. and Davis Bertans in exchange for Tobias Harris. Hardaway Jr. is a good marksman who would fit into the sixth man role for the Sixers. He can fill positions two and three and play both as a backup for Harden and alongside him.

Hardaway Jr. is also a good defender, able to cover both guard positions as well as players on the wing. Bertans is a pure shooter, shooting nearly 40% deep in his career. He’s 6-10 and can fit perfectly in the power forward position alongside Embiid. The Latvian can stretch the ground, which would give Embiid more space in the suit, and both can benefit from playing alongside each other.

Eric Gordon is finally dealt

Adding a reliable goalscorer who’s willing to play just to win would be a great move for the Sixers. One player who fits that description is definitely Eric Gordon of the Houston Rockets. The veteran shooting guard is literally wasting time at Houston, a team in the process of rebuilding and likely to tank through the end of the season.

Gordon just turned 34 and ready to put himself in a position to win. The Sixers are a team that can provide him with just that, and Rivers can capitalize on another scoring opportunity if he comes off the bench.

Gordon is averaging 12.5 points per game this season and has shot 37% from three-pointers in his career. He plays 30 minutes a game with the Rockets and would be more productive with fewer minutes on the field with the Sixers. Gordon will make almost $20 million this season, so the Sixers would have to trade four players for him – De’Anthony Melton, Furkan Korkmaz, Shake Milton and Danuel House Jr.