There was a point in the season when people were afraid that the Philadelphia 76ers might struggle to even make the postseason.
Those times have changed and now the 76ers are fifth in the Eastern Conference and have won seven games in a row.
They’ve gotten a lot better and, best of all, they still have room to grow.
The 76ers are still a move or two away from being the most dominant team in the NBA and they are definitely looking to make that happen.
But what trades should they pursue to perfect their roster and become the team that fans have been wanting for so long?
3. Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers has suggested that he would like to play with Ben Simmons but, sadly, Lillard might not get his way.
That’s because any sizable trade Philadelphia pursues will likely include Simmons because, despite his issues with the team, he’s still a defensive powerhouse who would add a lot to any team.
The 76ers should move heaven and earth to land Lillard and there is every indication that they would.
Adding Lillard to the team would give them a lot of power in the backcourt, would space the floor better, would take pressure off Joel Embiid, and would make the team both an offensive and defensive threat.
The thought of Lillard playing alongside Embiid would be downright scary to every other NBA team.
This is the sort of change that would immediately make the 76ers one of the most incredible teams in the league.
2. James Harden
Here’s a trade that would be a win-win for both the 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets.
The 76ers would land James Harden, one of the best shooters in the league and someone who has been getting better and better throughout this season.
Meanwhile, the Nets would get Simmons who, when he wants to be, is a strong force in the paint who can suffocate the opposition.
There are rumors that Philadelphia is on the hunt for Harden and Brooklyn should totally hear them out because they could get a lot from Philly.
In fact, they could probably pressure the team into giving them more than just Simmons.
The only problem with a trade involving Simmons and Harden is that it makes both teams – competitors in the East – stronger and would only make their respective journeys to the Finals more complicated.
1. Russell Westbrook
Say what you want about Russell Westbrook, but he is good at spacing the floor, one of the major problems the 76ers want to be addressed with their squad.
Now, there are a lot of downsides that come with Westbrook but an ideal package with the Los Angeles Lakers to land him would also include other talents – maybe Talen Horton-Tucker or Austin Reaves too.
Again, this trade would require the Lakers to get Simmons, which would help them out with their defensive woes.
Rumor has it that the Lakers have been thinking about Simmons for some time.
There have also been rumors that they are looking to offload Westbrook.
This would kill two birds with one stone.
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