It feels like it's time to trade Markelle Fultz.
- He's still not playing and his value is decreasing rapidly
- He's due $8.4M this season and $9.75M next season
- The Sixers do not have many other assets (if Fultz is even an asset at this point?) to trade
So, with the NBA trade deadline coming up on February 7th, who could the Sixers get for the 2017 No. 1 overall pick?
1. Dewayne Dedmon, C
Age: 29
Contract: $6.3M, expiring
Stats: 10.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.0 BPG, 36.8 3P%
ESPN is reporting that the Sixers are interested in the Hawks big man and it would likely cost them Fultz, the jumping off point for this article. With former Sixers assistant Lloyd Pierce the head coach in Atlanta, it seems like a perfect trade partner. Dedmon certainly isn't all that exciting, but he'd give the Sixers some quality backup minutes for when Joel Embiid is on the bench.
He's certainly not the best option on this list, however. Let's continue...
2. Noah Vonleh, PF
Age: 23
Contract: $1.6M, expiring
Stats: 8.7 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 0.9 BPG, 37.0 3P%
It was also reported that the Sixers have interest in Knicks forward Noah Vonleh. Vonleh, a former No. 9 overall pick, is younger than Dedmon and more of a traditional four than a backup center. Amazingly, like Dedmon, Vonleh is shooting 37.0% from three on 2.2 attempts per game.
3. Nikola Mirotic, F
Age: 27
Contract: $12.5M, expiring
Stats: 16.7 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 0.8 BPG, 36.8 3P%
ESPN's Zach Lowe has reported New Orleans, following the news that Anthony Davis will not sign an extension, has made Nikola Mirotic, Julius Randle, and E'Twaun Moore available via trade. Mirotic is probably the sexiest option on this list, as he'd upgrade the Sixers' starting five significantly and fits their roster construction best.
4. Julius Randle, PF
Age: 24
Contract: $8.6M, 2019-20 $9M player option, 2020 UFA
Stats: 19.9 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 3.0 APG, 31.8 3P%
The aforementioned Randle is another sexy option, but probably doesn't fit Philadelphia as well as Mirotic. Randle is more of a low post presence than a stretch forward and is a below average three-point shooter.
5. Reggie Bullock, G/F
Age: 27
Contract: $2.5M, expiring
Stats: 12.0 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 2.5 APG, 37.9 3P%
Bullock is the best three-point shooter on this list, shooting near 38% on over six attempts per game this season. He's a respectable, but not great, defender.
6. Garrett Temple, G/F
Age: 32
Contract: $8M, expiring
Stats: 9.4 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.4 APG, 35.2 3P%
Temple is the oldest player on this list, but he can shoot, brings veteran leadership (because he's old I guess?), and may be a slightly better defender than Bullock.
7. Jeremy Lamb, G/F
Age: 26
Contract: $7.5M, expiring
Stats: 15.0 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.0 APG, 34.6 3P%
Lamb continues to improve now in his seventh season, but he may be a little redundant to a guy like Landry Shamet. Lamb is a pretty solid NBA scorer, but again, not a great perimeter defender—something the Sixers clearly need and are looking for.
8. Justin Holiday, G/F
Age: 29
Contract: $4.4M, expiring
Stats: 11.6 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.2 APG, 35.9 3P% (38 games with Chicago)
Holiday was already traded this season from Chicago to Memphis, so what the heck? He can shoot and he can defend a bit.
9. JaMychal Green, F
Age: 28
Contract: $7.67M, expiring
Stats: 10.1 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 38.7 3P%
Green is a somewhat of an intriguing three-and-D stretch four, someone who would certainly help the Sixers.
10. Bobby Portis, PF
Age: 23
Contract: $2.5M, 2019-20 RFA ($3.6M qualifying offer)
Stats: 13.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.4 APG, 35.9 3P%
Portis is young and could be a piece for the future, always kills the Sixers, continues to improve his shooting, and is absolutely a dog to play against—and the Sixers need that, especially for the playoffs. He's so annoying when he's not on your team and Philly could certainly use that kind of player.
