The Philadelphia 76ers are in a bit of a mess right now. With a shaky 2-7 record and some big-name injuries piling up, things aren’t looking great. Joel Embiid’s knee has kept him out longer than expected, Paul George’s bone bruise held him back for the start of the season, and now Tyrese Maxey’s hamstring has him sitting on the bench too. With their core players out and the bench not stepping up the way they’d hoped, the Sixers are feeling the heat to make some serious trades to keep their season alive.
In Big Need of Another Volume Scorer
76ers receive: Norman Powell
Clippers receive: Caleb Martin, KJ Martin, Eric Gordon, 2028 First-Round Pick
The Sixers could use a reliable, high-volume scorer to help carry the offense, and Norman Powell fits that need perfectly. Powell’s been putting up strong numbers so far this season, averaging 26.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, while shooting a solid 52.7% from the field and 50.5% from three. The Sixers, with major gaps in offensive firepower due to injuries, would get a huge boost from Powell’s scoring abilities, especially when they need someone who can both catch-and-shoot and create his own shot.
Powell is in a contract year, making him even more attractive to teams looking for instant impact. He has just one year left on his deal after this season, meaning his value to the Clippers is at its peak. For Philly, they get a proven scorer without a long-term financial commitment, which is ideal as they look to stay flexible with future roster moves. The 6-4 Clippers, meanwhile, might see this as the perfect time to cash in on Powell’s value while shifting their focus toward building depth. They’re holding a decent record, but given the uncertainty surrounding Kawhi Leonard’s long-term health and the need for more reliable role players, this trade could be the right direction.
For Philly, Powell is the type of player who could mesh well alongside Paul George right now, and Joel Embiid with Tyrese Maxey once they’re back on the court. His shooting and ability to attack the rim make him a great fit in the Sixers’ system, as he could spread the floor for Embiid and provide another offensive option when defenses focus on Maxey. Plus, he brings that playoff experience, having been a key part of the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 championship run, which adds some toughness and grit to a Sixers squad that could use a little more of both.
From the Clippers’ perspective, this trade opens up some cap flexibility and gives them three solid rotational players in Caleb Martin, KJ Martin, and Eric Gordon. Gordon, a former Clipper, brings veteran leadership and three-point shooting. The Martins, on the other hand, add youth and athleticism—two qualities the Clippers need for a more balanced roster. And of course, the 2028 first-round pick could be a valuable asset if the Clippers decide to make a bigger splash down the road.
All in all, this trade would give the Sixers the immediate scoring punch they need, while the Clippers get assets for the future and the depth they need to stay competitive in the long term.
Bringing In Bennedict Mathurin For A Fresh Start
76ers receive: Bennedict Mathurin
Pacers receive: Kelly Oubre Jr., Ricky Council IV, 2026 First-Round Pick (OKC/HOU/LAC), 2027 Second-Round Pick, 2031 Second-Round Pick (Mavericks)
With the season off to a rough start, the 76ers need fresh firepower, especially with Paul George struggling to be the same elite scorer with his knee issue and the roster feeling light on scoring. That’s where Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin comes into the picture. Just recently, Mathurin put up a career-high 38 points in a 132-121 win over the New York Knicks, showing off his ability to take over a game when it matters.
This season, Mathurin has averaged 19.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 10 games—a level of production the Sixers could use right now. The 22-year-old has both the scoring touch and rebounding prowess that could fit perfectly alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, helping to keep defenses spread out and giving the Sixers a young wing with solid all-around skills. Plus, his efficient shooting from the field and three-point range means he can be a reliable threat, both on and off the ball.
In exchange, Indiana receives a versatile package. Kelly Oubre Jr. is putting up 15 points per game this season and brings a veteran scoring presence. Ricky Council IV, a sophomore, adds youth with untapped potential, giving the Pacers a chance to develop him as a rotational player. The draft picks—a 2026 first-rounder and two second-rounders—give the Pacers more options to continue building or make moves in future drafts.
For the Sixers, Mathurin’s skill set is a huge potential boost. He can slot into multiple roles and thrives on the kind of intensity Philly loves, playing with confidence that could blend seamlessly with the team’s culture. As George works his way back to full health and the Sixers try to climb out of their early-season slump, adding a young scorer like Mathurin could be the perfect move to give the team an immediate lift and a piece to build around for the future. A potential lineup with Maxey, George, Mathurin, Martin and Embiid could thrive in the East down the road.
Time To Look At Jordan Clarkson For A Boost
76ers receive: Jordan Clarkson
Jazz receive: Caleb Martin, Eric Gordon, Reggie Jackson, Ricky Council IV, 2027 Second-Round Pick
The Sixers need a scorer, plain and simple. With all the injuries and shaky offense, they’re desperate for someone who can get buckets without needing too much setup. Enter Jordan Clarkson. He’s averaging 14.1 points, 3.3 assists, and 3.7 rebounds a night this season, but he’s shooting a modest 39% from the field. He’s basically built for the role of “instant offense,” coming in and lighting up the scoreboard whenever the team needs it. For Philly, that could mean the difference between struggling to stay competitive and actually having a solid bench presence.
Clarkson has made a name for himself as a microwave scorer—the guy heats up fast. He’s the kind of player who can put up points in a hurry, which is exactly what Philly’s bench lacks right now. When Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey take a breather, Clarkson could step in and keep the offense flowing, rather than watching leads slip away. Plus, with his fearless style of play, he fits right in with the gritty attitude that Philly fans love. He’s not afraid to take tough shots, and he has the skill to back it up.
For the Jazz, they get a solid mix of vets and young talent. Caleb Martin’s been reliable, averaging 10.3 points per game, and he can defend and hit open threes—a perfect role player. Then there’s Eric Gordon and Reggie Jackson, two guys with years of experience who can handle the ball and score when needed. And let’s not forget Ricky Council IV, a young sophomore with athletic potential that the Jazz might want to develop. Throw in a 2027 second-round pick, and Utah’s getting some nice flexibility for the future.
In the end, this deal works for both teams. Philly gets their scoring punch off the bench with Clarkson, who can immediately make an impact, while Utah picks up depth, experience, and some future assets. It’s the kind of trade that doesn’t shake up either roster too much but gives both teams exactly what they need.
