The Philadelphia 76ers were eliminated in the second round once again, and it is clear that some changes must be made to the roster. Joel Embiid is a superstar-caliber center, but he definitely needs a good second option to help the 76ers make a deep playoff run.
A player that could help the 76ers could be star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell, who currently plays for the Utah Jazz. Here is a potential trade package that could help the 76ers get Donovan Mitchell to Philadelphia.Â
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Donovan Mitchell
Utah Jazz Receive: Tobias Harris, Tyrese Maxey, Matisse Thybulle, 2023 first-round pick (PHI)
The Utah Jazz Get A Solid Package For Donovan Mitchell
This package from the Philadelphia 76ers would in theory get the Utah Jazz what they would require in exchange for a high-profile star like Donovan Mitchell. It includes a pick as draft capital, as well as some solid young prospects from the Philadelphia 76ers.
Tyrese Maxey has had a breakout run in the 2021-22 playoffs. Maxey has averaged 20.8 PPG, 3.5 RPG, and 3.9 APG in the postseason while shooting 37.7% from beyond the arc. He is a very good all-around combo guard and is a shooter that can convert a variety of different looks from deep. There’s no doubt that he’s a potential rising star, and that is precisely why the trade package would be centered on him. The Utah Jazz wouldn’t give up their franchise player without getting a valuable player in return.
Tobias Harris is a player that has often been criticized as overpaid, but he is still a solid two-way player. During these playoffs, Tobias Harris averaged 16.9 PPG, 7.6 RPG, and 2.9 APG, while shooting 38.6% from the 3PT range. He is in the trade for salary purposes, but he is definitely a player that could help the Utah Jazz stay afloat and compete in the playoffs if they choose to not go through a full rebuild after trading Donovan Mitchell.
The rest of this trade features Matisse Thybulle and draft compensation. Matisse Thybulle is a good defender that would fill the Utah Jazz’s need for perimeter defense, while the draft compensation could be used to draft a prospect or move it in a further trade.
Overall, this trade package seems fair for both sides. Donovan Mitchell has been linked in trade rumors after the Utah Jazz’s first-round exit, and this package would allow him to go to a good situation while giving the Utah Jazz a building block for the future in Tyrese Maxey alongside some other solid players.
The Philadelphia 76ers Put A Top-Tier Shooting Guard Next To Joel Embiid
Donovan Mitchell, moving to the Philadelphia 76ers, would instantly give the team a one-two punch featuring him and Joel Embiid. There is no doubt that they would be a top-tier duo in the NBA. Donovan Mitchell is a genuine three-level scorer, and the perfect type of player for what the 76ers need.
In the playoffs, Donovan Mitchell averaged 25.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 5.7 APG, albeit slightly inefficiently. In theory, putting him next to Joel Embiid as a second option would take some pressure off of him to score, and he’d be able to be more efficient in that role.
If the Philadelphia 76ers end up re-signing James Harden, then Donovan Mitchell’s job would be even easier. He would benefit a lot from getting easy shots off of James Harden’s playmaking. Donovan Mitchell would also make sure there’s less scoring pressure on James Harden. James Harden is more of a playmaker these days, so easing his scoring load will be crucial to the 76ers’ success.
Overall, trading for Donovan Mitchell would allow the Philadelphia 76ers to add a reliable scorer next to Joel Embiid, and improve the team’s chance of competing. Both Mitchell and Embiid are in their prime, and they would definitely be a championship-caliber duo that could get the 76ers to the promised land.
