In the world of the modern NBA, the concept of a superteam has become synonymous with success and championship aspirations. The Philadelphia 76ers, a franchise with a rich history and a passionate fan base, find themselves at a crossroads, searching for the missing piece to propel them to the upper echelons of the NBA. With a talented roster led by superstar center Joel Embiid and a formidable supporting cast, the Sixers have showcased their potential but have fallen short of championship glory in recent years. This past postseason, the 76ers made it to the second round but lost in seven games to the Boston Celtics.
However, the winds of change are blowing in Philadelphia as the team’s management explores the possibility of orchestrating not one, but two blockbuster trades that could reshape the 76ers into a true superteam. Since James Harden reportedly has played his last game in Philly, it is time for a major overhaul of the roster around superstar and reigning MVP Joel Embiid. By leveraging their assets, making calculated moves, and acquiring top-tier talent, the Sixers have a unique opportunity to solidify their position as legitimate contenders for an NBA championship.
With the right moves, the Sixers have a chance to assemble a superteam capable of dominating the league and finally bringing a long-awaited championship back to the City of Brotherly Love. It will be a two-step process for blockbuster deals and it involves adding two elite offensive superstars to help Joel Embiid lead the team to a championship.
A Surprising Trade To Chicago For DeMar DeRozan
The first part of the superteam would be acquiring a go-to scoring threat from the perimeter in exchange for wantaway James Harden. Since The Beard wants to go elsewhere, the Philadelphia 76ers can regroup by acquiring 6-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan, who was fresh off a season posting 24.5 PPG, 4.6 RPG, and 5.1 APG on 50.4% FG.
Trade Details
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: DeMar DeRozan, 2027 Second-Round Pick
Chicago Bulls Receive: James Harden
Trading James Harden for DeMar DeRozan and the 2027 second-round pick could be a strategic move that benefits the Philadelphia 76ers in multiple ways. While James Harden is undoubtedly one of the most prolific scorers in the NBA, his fit within the current Sixers roster raises some concerns regardless of his trade request. The proposed trade would see the Sixers part ways with Harden, but in return, they would acquire DeRozan, a proven scorer, and a future draft pick.
Firstly, DeMar DeRozan brings a different skill set to the table that aligns better with the needs of the Sixers. Known for his mid-range game and ability to create his own shot, DeRozan’s style of play would complement Joel Embiid’s dominant presence in the paint. His scoring prowess would provide an additional offensive threat and alleviate some of the pressure on Embiid to carry the scoring load. DeRozan’s playmaking ability would also enhance the team’s overall offensive fluidity, as he has shown an aptitude for creating opportunities for his teammates. After all, DeRozan averaged 24.5 PPG and 5.1 APG, so he is a capable scorer and a solid passer, even if he did not lead the league in assists as Harden did.
Additionally, the acquisition of DeRozan would address one of the Sixers’ primary weaknesses: shot creation and scoring in clutch situations. DeRozan has consistently displayed his ability to perform under pressure and hit crucial shots in critical moments. This would provide the Sixers with a reliable closer who can be entrusted with the ball in late-game situations, ensuring that they remain competitive against elite teams. There is no doubt that DeRozan is a more clutch player than Harden in critical games.
Moreover, the inclusion of a future second-round pick in the trade allows the Sixers to maintain a long-term perspective and plan for the future. While the immediate impact of the trade may revolve around improving the team’s present championship chances, having an additional draft pick in 2027 provides flexibility for further roster adjustments or potential trades down the line.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls regroup with James Harden leading the group of Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, and the rest of the Bulls’ supporting cast. Since LaVine is an elite individual offensive player, averaging 24.8 PPG this past season, he could benefit from being the primary offensive source while Harden acts as a primary playmaker. Due to LaVine’s presence and Lonzo Ball’s absence, the Bulls need a go-to playmaker instead of another score-first player.
The Biggest Trade Of The Decade For Damian Lillard
The second part of creating a superteam would be trading for superstar point guard Damian Lillard who has formally requested a trade out of Portland and has spoken out about his inevitable request. Lillard is, without a doubt, a top-2 point guard in the world after averaging 32.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG, and 7.3 APG on 46.3% FG, 37.1% 3-PT FG, and 91.4% FT. With Lillard on board, the 76ers have a dominant superteam to fight for the championship. It will be very likely that a third team would be included in a deal to get Lillard to Philly, but the outgoing package for the 76ers would have to include Tobias Harris, Tyrese Maxey, De’Anthony Melton, and two first-round picks.
Trade Details
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Tobias Harris, Tyrese Maxey, De’Anthony Melton, 2029 First-Round Pick, 2030 First-Round Pick
The trade proposal that involves trading Tobias Harris, Tyrese Maxey, De’Anthony Melton, and two first-round picks for Damian Lillard presents the Philadelphia 76ers with a compelling opportunity to acquire one of the premier guards in the NBA. While it involves parting ways with valuable assets, the potential benefits for the Sixers are significant and could propel them to championship contention.
Damian Lillard would instantly transform the Sixers’ backcourt and provide a dynamic offensive force to pair with Joel Embiid. Lillard is renowned for his scoring prowess, deep shooting range, and ability to create his own shot. His elite shooting and clutch performances would significantly bolster the Sixers’ offensive firepower and alleviate some of the scoring burdens on Embiid. Lillard’s ability to stretch the defense and draw attention would open up opportunities for his teammates, creating better spacing and flow on the offensive end.
Furthermore, Lillard’s skill set as a playmaker would greatly enhance the Sixers’ overall offensive versatility. He has consistently displayed his ability to facilitate and make his teammates better. With Lillard’s court vision and passing ability, he would be able to find open shooters and make accurate passes to Embiid in the paint. This would help maximize the talents of other key players on the roster, such as the acquired DeRozan, who excels in catch-and-shoot situations from the mid-range.
Defensively, while Lillard is not known for his prowess on that end of the floor, the Sixers possess a strong defensive identity, with players like Embiid patrolling the middle. Lillard’s offensive impact would far outweigh any potential defensive concerns, especially when considering the Sixers’ existing defensive talent and system.
In terms of the assets being traded, Tobias Harris is undoubtedly a valuable player for the Sixers. However, his contract and inconsistent performances in crucial moments may raise questions about his long-term fit within the team’s championship aspirations. Tyrese Maxey and De’Anthony Melton, while promising young players, would be considered necessary pieces to facilitate a trade for a player of Lillard’s caliber. Of course, the Trail Blazers would rebuild with those pieces, as Maxey could be a cornerstone alongside Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe.
The inclusion of two first-round picks is a substantial investment, but it showcases the Sixers’ commitment to securing premier talent. The potential for immediate success with Lillard and the opportunity to build a championship contender outweigh the future uncertainty associated with draft picks.
Philadelphia 76ers Win The 2023-24 Championship And Create A Dynasty
The Philadelphia 76ers would have a strong chance of winning a championship and potentially establishing a dynasty by trading for DeMar DeRozan and Damian Lillard to pair with Joel Embiid. With Joel Embiid, DeMar DeRozan, and Damian Lillard on the same team, the Sixers would boast unparalleled offensive firepower. Embiid’s dominance in the paint, Lillard’s shooting range and scoring ability, and DeRozan’s mid-range prowess and playmaking skills would present an overwhelming challenge for opposing defenses. This trio would provide a multitude of scoring options, making it nearly impossible for opponents to devise effective defensive strategies to contain them.
The versatility and complementary factors of the three stars also comes into play. Embiid’s inside presence and ability to draw double teams would open up opportunities for DeRozan and Lillard to exploit the perimeter. Lillard’s shooting range and ability to create his own shot would stretch defenses, while DeRozan’s mid-range game and playmaking skills would keep opponents guessing. The trio’s ability to play off each other and exploit mismatches would make the Sixers a nightmare to defend.
Perhaps most importantly, the clutch factor will finally be available in Philly as Joel Embiid and certainly James Harden’s abilities in crunch time have been heavily criticized. Lillard and DeRozan have proven time and again that they thrive in high-pressure situations. Lillard’s reputation as one of the league’s most clutch performers and DeRozan’s ability to hit crucial shots in critical moments would give the Sixers a significant advantage in close games and playoff series. Their ability to step up when it matters most would be invaluable during championship runs.
That means the 76ers will be the favorites to win the championship next year and at least make the Finals ahead of the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Cleveland Cavaliers in the East. The age and skill sets of Embiid, Lillard, and DeRozan suggest that the potential for a sustained period of success is within reach. All three players are in their prime and have shown the ability to perform at a high level consistently. With the right supporting cast and coaching, this trio could create a dynasty in Philadelphia, contending for championships for multiple seasons.
