With the NBA trade deadline less than a week away, surely you’re thinking it:
The Sixers better not duck the tax this year.
Over the past several seasons, the Sixers have made moves to dip below the NBA’s luxury tax. Some deals were less egregious, but last year’s salary-dumping of KJ Martin to the Detroit Pistons understandably drew the ire of fans. Not only did the team move on from Martin, a player who had a few bright moments here and was brought back on a balloon deal with bigger trade aspirations
in mind, but they also attached two second-round picks in a cost-cutting move.
If you have concerns about the team making a similar move, you’re not alone. After the team’s 113-111 win over the Sacramento Kings Thursday, Joel Embiid made it clear he wants Daryl Morey and company to make improvements.
“Obviously, we’ve been ducking the tax past couple of years, so hopefully, we’ll keep the same team. I love all the guys that are here. I think we got a shot.
“I don’t know what they’re gonna do, but I hope we get a chance to just go out and compete because we’ve got a good group of guys in this locker room. The vibes are great. Like I said, in the past we’ve been I guess ducking the tax, so hopefully we think about improving because I think we have a chance.”
That quote is a big deal. Sure, Embiid has never been afraid to be outspoken, but when it comes to personnel decisions, he usually provides a diplomatic answer — something to the effect of, “That’s not my job” or “I trust those guys.” This felt like Embiid sending a clear message to the front office.
It’s a fair stance from Embiid, who dropped 37 against the Kings. All he’s done to get back to the level he’s currently playing is nothing short of remarkable. He’s also been available at a rate many weren’t expecting before the season started. The Sixers also find themselves in sixth in a seemingly wide-open East.
While backup center Andre Drummond is an obvious trade candidate, Kelly Oubre Jr. is another name that’s been floated out there. After starting the season strong, Drummond has mostly been supplanted by Adem Bona. It’s likely better for both sides to move on.
But Oubre is a different story. He’s fit well into the starting group, giving the team a spark on both ends. Of course, moving off his $8.3 million salary would go a long way to helping the tax bill, but it’s clear moving Oubre for a lesser player would not sit well with the big fella.
The quote was prompted by a question about continuity, something Embiid has said he’s craved in recent years. The Sixers’ roster upheaval has been … something during Embiid’s decade in Philadelphia. At this point, Oubre is Embiid’s longest-tenured teammate not named Tyrese Maxey. The veteran wing has always seemed to play well off the former MVP.
In referencing continuity, one wonders what Embiid thinks of the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes playing out. A report from NBA Insider Jake Fischer indicated the Greek Freak would have interest in playing with Maxey, putting the Sixers on his “radar.” A trade like that would surely mean multiple meaningful pieces going to Milwaukee, most notably Paul George for salary matching purposes.
It seems like what Embiid wants is meaningful improvement that doesn’t mess with the team’s core.
Sounds like the ball is in your court, Daryl Morey.
