Coming into the season, the 76ers were believed to be among the top candidates taking the Eastern Conference crown.
With Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris, and a slew of other talented players surrounding them, their core is one that can not be matched on any stat sheet.
Unfortunately, things have fared less than ideal for the franchise this season. For one reason or another, the Sixers have struggled to stay consistent as they boast just the 6th best record in the East. In light of their struggles, you can expect 76ers GM Elton Brand to make a move ahead of the trade deadline.
According to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, they already have a few targets in mind.
According to @anthonyVslater, the Sixers have been linked to Derrick Rose, Robert Covington, and Davis Bertans in trade talks.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 1, 2020
As a veteran ball-handler and scorer, Derrick Rose checks just about every box for Philly. With a lack of backcourt depth, Rose would have an immediate and profound impact on the team that would include taking some pressure off of Simmons.
As for Covington, he would provide a boost on the perimeter. He’s averaging 12.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game for the Timberwolves. He’s also shooting 34% from downtown with an average of 2.2 makes per game.
Washington’s Davis Bertans is another stretch big man who, like Covington, could add shooting to the frontcourt and space the floor for his team. At 27-years-old, Bertans is having a breakout year, averaging 14.9 points and 4.6 rebounds on an impressive 42% shooting from three.
Bertans, Covington, and Rose are all believed to be available in trade talks this season and all three players help fill very specific needs for Philadelphia. For the right price, they can begin to, hopefully, fix some of their greatest flaws. They have just a few weeks to figure it out.