76ers player who must be traded soon

As the NBA trade deadline is approachingthe Philadelphia 76ers‘ the season is gradually moving in the wrong direction. After a 15-24 start, initial expectations for a deep playoff run have soured, with injuries and missed performance goals for certain roster members.

Sunday’s 104-99 loss to the Orlando Magic was further evidence of a missed opportunity for the 76ers. Tyrese McKay continued his big game with 29 points, five assists and four rebounds. And while the 24-year-old All-Star has given plenty of reason for hope, individual accolades won’t bring the organization a championship anytime soon.

Joel Embiid is out of action for 12 days. The 2022-23 MVP made just 13 appearances, and the team’s top free agent was signed during the offseason in Paul George missed the start of the season. Since these absences, the 76ers have fallen into a 2-7 hole that they simply haven’t gotten out of.

The only silver lining was the rookie quarterback Jared McCain‘s breakout, and how well he was able to fit in with Maxi. A superstar formula that could be dangerous in the Eastern Conference for many years to come. But the unfortunate reality is that this unique partnership will take more time to take shape. With McCain’s season is over after he tears his meniscusit looks more and more like his scoring production won’t be offset by the remaining members of the backcourt off the bench (or frontcourt, barring Embiid).

Despite George’s high dose of play since his return from injury, his the production doesn’t exactly scream “max player”. His scoring (16.8 PPG) is down significantly from a year ago with the Los Angeles Clippers, as are his field goal percentage (42.1) and three-point percentage (35.4). He plays 32.3 minutes a night, which is great, but the results are negligible.

With time quickly running out on this season, the Feb. 6 trade deadline will be a pivotal point for the 76ers and one that could irreversibly change the course of the franchise.

The 76ers need to emphasize the future at the trade deadline

Is it really time to win for the 76ers? It’s starting to look like… Nope. McCain’s injury basically knocked the wind out of the fan base. Given what he’s already had to endure this season, well before the All-Star break — Embiid’s availability is constantly changing and George is struggling to live up to the expectations of roster additions — the team’s title aspirations feel increasingly unrealistic.

In Tuesday night’s game against the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder, the 76ers fell 118-102. The home crowd at the Wells Fargo Center was frustrated as eight of the team’s key players appeared on the injury report, via the scoreboard: Andre Drummond, Embiid, George, Kyle Lowry, Caleb Martin, KJ Martin, Maxey and McCain.

Wednesday’s clash wasn’t much better. Hosting the New York Knicks back-to-back, the 76ers lost 125-119 in overtime. George returned to the lineup and finished with 26 points in 43 minutes. But it has been shown, once again and glaringly, how badly this team performs in close games.

It’s hard to think of a practical solution to turn this into a championship season. Constantly dealing with lineup hiccups and a lack of rhythm on the floor, head coach Nick Nurse can only do so much with the cards he’s dealt.

Maximize Paul George’s trade value while it’s still around

This is not a stupid request. It should not be perceived as such. The idea of ​​trading George is simply a necessary pivot for a team struggling to find an identity that should have been established weeks ago. However, it is important to note that this could not happen.

It’s possible that George’s early-season frustration didn’t go anywhere — he was constantly adjusting and moving to different positions in the lineup due to the team’s injuries. He could be open to a new beginning. Given Jimmy Butler’s recent interest, offering George a contract with the Miami Heat would work financially.

General manager Daryl Morey is known for his can-win mentality, so it’s more likely — given his reputation at the trade deadline — that he could make some minor moves in an attempt to salvage the current campaign. Still, cutting ties with George could be a step in the right direction and pave the way for building around the young resources of Maxey and McCain for the future.

George’s contract is four years, $212 million, which could deter teams from chasing him at age 34. Still, a deep-pocketed playoff contender for an extra star could be incentivized to climb the table.

The trade deadline will answer many questions and mark the trajectory of what lies ahead. For the 76ers, reality is setting in. And as for the 2024-25 NBA Finals, that ship has sailed.