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As the 2020-21 NBA season continues to inch a bit closer, the league will lift the trade moratorium on Monday and that is when the offseason will truly get into full swing. On top of that, the NBA draft is Wednesday and free agency will begin shortly after.
The Philadelphia 76ers are a team that figures to be more active on the trade market rather than in free agency due to the lack of funds the team will have for free agency. On top of that, they are eager to try and get out of Al Horford’s contract.
A new trade suggestion from our sister site, Thunder Wire, has the Sixers moving Horford, Josh Richardson, and the 21st pick in Wednesday’s draft to the Oklahoma City Thunder for star Chris Paul.
Thunder Wire on the deal:
To keep it blunt, they’re desperate. Brett Brown was the scapegoat for the lack of growth the last couple seasons, and if the Sixers can’t advance further in the playoffs — or at the very least look more in-sync on the floor — noise about trading one of the two stars will grow to a deafening level.
Adding Paul at point guard will improve their shooting and spacing. Simmons can slide up to forward while still manning some ball handler role. Imagine the defense of a starting lineup with nine-time All-Defensive player Paul alongside Simmons, Matisse Thybulle and Joel Embiid.
The Sixers and the Thunder had conversations about a potential Paul trade, but they have not been able to gain much traction. If the Sixers could pull off a trade where they get off of Horford’s deal while also bringing in a star like Paul, it would be a huge win for president Daryl Morey. He is a guy who can shoot it from deep, he can run the offense, he can be a leader, and he can also take games over down the stretch so he would be a huge addition.
On the flip side, it does appear that the Phoenix Suns are making a big push for Paul and team him up with Devin Booker. While a Horford-for-Paul swap would be a huge move for the Sixers, it does appear to be unlikely for the moment. [lawrence-related id=39124,38993,38965]