'Get your stuff, T-Mac' - When a rookie Tracy McGrady was nearly traded by the Raptors to the Sixers

Originally posted on Basketball Network | By Orel Dizon | Last updated Dec 10, 2024 6:53 AM ET

Tracy McGrady emerged as one of the best players of his generation, but his career didn't get off to a good start. He spent three years paying his dues with the Toronto Raptors before finally breaking out with the Orlando Magic.

Interestingly, the retired prep-to-pro superstar's NBA stint almost started differently, as he was nearly traded to the Philadelphia 76ers weeks into his rookie year. Rumors began swirling about the Raptors' possible acquisition of Jerry Stackhouse and Clarence Weatherspoon in exchange for McGrady and Popeye Jones, who even told him they were leaving soon, one time inside the locker room.

"Get your stuff, T-Mac," the retired big man said. "We're about to be traded to Philadelphia."

Disillusioned in Toronto

Of course, the deal never came to fruition. McGrady remained with the Raptors, learning that life in the big league can be harsh. What made it more difficult for him was realizing who decided to put him on the trading block: Isiah Thomas.

The NBA legend served as a part-owner and vice president of the Toronto team from the summer of 1994 to the early months of the 1997-98 regular season. One of his most notable moves was drafting T-Mac with the No. 9 overall pick in 1997.

Tracy McGrady with his GM Isiah Thomas after the Raptors selected him 9th in the 1997 draft. pic.twitter.com/KpMlC7UtEa
— Paul Knepper (@paulieknep) March 7, 2024

Thomas was among those who believed in the Florida native, even though some pundits were concerned about his age and work ethic. The Detroit Pistons icon was also there to encourage him during their brief time together.

So, imagine T-Mac's surprise when he was told the man he considered a "father figure" planned to ship him out.

"You think you're playing for a solid organization and think you've put down roots," the seven-time All-Star stated in December 1997. "Then suddenly, you feel like you're not needed."

Interestingly, that wasn't the last time McGrady was rumored to be headed to the Sixers and play alongside Allen Iverson. Stephen A. Smith once confirmed that a deal was in place to send the former star swingman to Philadelphia in 1999.

Yes this is true https://t.co/40WiC5p09I
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) April 4, 2020

Instead, McGrady spent one more season with the Raptors before heading to Orlando.

Almost teammates with "The Answer"

It would have been fascinating to see "The Big Sleep" join forces with another legend in Iverson. While both of them became known for being elite bucket-getters, they likely would have been able to co-exist on offense because of their underrated playmaking skills.

A tandem of McGrady and "The Answer" would have probably been enough for the Sixers to come close to a clinching championship in the early 2000s, especially considering how A.I. managed to steer a team composed of an aging Dikembe Mutombo and a bunch of role players to the 2001 Finals.

The Los Angeles Lakers were able to throw different bodies at the former MVP in that series because Philly lacked reliable offensive weapons besides Iverson. The story might have ended differently if the Sixers had someone like T-Mac.

This article first appeared on Basketball Network and was syndicated with permission.

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