As the 76ers pursue a deep playoff run, they will likely be looking to upgrade their bench at the NBA trade deadline.
While the backup center spot is clearly the biggest weakness, Philadelphia could benefit from acquiring another 3&D player to fortify the bench, or another wing capable of playing above average defense.
[Related: 3 Backup Centers for 76ers to Target at Trade Deadline]
Recently, Matisse Thybulle’s name has appeared in trade rumors. If the team makes a move to improve the bench, Thybulle seems likely to be included.
As a clear “title-or-bust” team, Daryl Morey and the front office should be willing to trade draft picks, along with end of rotation players like Furkan Korkmaz, Jaden Springer and Danuel House Jr.
If they choose to upgrade the wing spots, here are three players the Sixers should target before the February 9 trade deadline.
Gary Harris
If the Sixers are looking for another shooter, Harris might have to be their No. 1 target.
Shooting a blazing 46.7% from deep on 4.0 attempts per game, Harris would provide knockdown shooting from outside, something that the 76ers could only benefit from.
It’s no secret that with Joel Embiid and James Harden dominating touches, you’ll need shooters to balance the offensive attack when they are doubled. Just ask Tobias Harris.
A 10 year veteran, Gary Harris would provide a great spark for the bench’s offense. He also plays some solid defense for a guard.
The Magic are just 22-32, and Harris doesn’t fit their young team’s timeline at 28.
3&D players are a luxury in this league, and it always seems that the best teams have a few guys that can both shoot the three and play solid defense.
Morey and the Philadelphia front office should be calling Orlando about Harris to make an addition to the bench.
Jarred Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt is in his first season with the Jazz after being traded from Minnesota in the Rudy Gobert trade.
Just 23 years old, there’s a solid chance the Jazz want to hold onto him for the future.
At the same time, there will be plenty of teams calling Utah for the power forward, and the Jazz are likely a year or two away from real contention.
Offensively, Vanderbilt mostly operates around the rim, shooting 55.6% from the floor. He is capable of playing power forward or center based on the lineup around him, making him even more valuable.
The sixth-year forward does a bit of everything. For a big man, he is a willing passer with his career-high 2.7 assists per game. He also has good hands-on defense, putting up one steal per night.
Where Vanderbilt may be most valuable to the 76ers though, is his rebounding. In just 24.1 minutes per game, he is averaging 2.3 offense rebounds and 7.9 total boards per game.
Philadelphia has struggled mightily with rebounding this season, as no player on the team averages more than 7 boards other than Embiid.
A starter in 41 of 52 games this season, Vanderbilt could even be used as a starter in some games for the 76ers.
While he may be expensive because of his age and all-around game, Vanderbilt would be an excellent add for the Sixers due to his rebounding and versatility.
Jae Crowder
Crowder hasn’t played this season, sitting out in hopes of being traded. Yet for some reason, he’s still on the Suns.
A valuable glue guy when he does play, Crowder has played for seven NBA teams already. He’s always been one of those guys that seem to always be in a winning environment.
While there are some question marks surrounding him after not playing this season, it would be worth investigating for the 76ers.
Crowder is a solid shooter and defender, and could bring another veteran presence to the locker room.
Having a proven winner would be valuable for the 76ers, especially one that can contribute off the bench.
If the Suns want to get any value for him, he shouldn’t cost too much. He hasn’t played all year, is being paid nearly $10 million and will be a free agent after the season.
It seems likely Crowder will be on a new team by next week. The 76ers should be calling Phoenix about him.
Stay tuned for more breaking NBA content, including trades, contract updates and more news from every team.
Featured photo courtesy of Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
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