The Philadelphia 76ers expensed their first-round pick — the no. 23 selection — in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies. They acquired combo guard De’Anthony Melton in a deal that also sent veteran wing Danny Green to Memphis.
Given the fact that Green was likely to be sidelined for most of the season, if not for its entirety, with knee injuries sustained in Philadelphia’s season-ending loss to the Miami Heat, this is essentially a home run trade for the Sixers.
They get a young combo guard making less than $10 million in the 2022-23 season who fits right into what they need on the perimeter — shooting at a regular volume, and credible defense on the other end.
Having played behind Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Tyus Jones in Memphis, Melton figures to be rewarded with a bigger role in Philly. He appears more than content with his new opportunity while his former Grizzlies teammates were more than happy for their guy.