BREAKING: 76ers sign All-Star superstar

With the 2024 NBA Finals now over, the Philadelphia 76ers and the rest of the league enter the unofficial start of the offseason, allowing them to begin negotiations with free agents and other teams about potential deals.

The 2024 NBA Draft is only a week away, intensifying the rumor mill as fans and analysts anticipate. This year’s draft day(s) provide a significant opportunity for all teams and front offices to decide on their direction and possibly make trades by leveraging their draft capital.

The Philadelphia 76ers are likely to pull off a draft day trade

Thanks to the previous James Harden trade, the 76ers have acquired significant draft-related assets, offering them leverage to attract a win-now player this offseason. Coupled with their substantial cap space, this creates numerous opportunities for the franchise in the trade market.

Daryl Morey and his team have emphasized their goal of securing a third star to complement Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. In line with this objective, let’s explore a draft day trade proposal where the 76ers acquire an All-Star forward through a sign-and-trade arrangement.

76ers trade for Brandon Ingram in proposed sign-and-trade

In this suggested trade scenario, the Philadelphia 76ers would acquire Brandon Ingram via a sign-and-trade with the New Orleans Pelicans, sending veteran guard Buddy Hield (also in a sign-and-trade), their 16th overall pick in this year’s draft, and a 2027 second-round pick from Milwaukee.

Brandon Ingram, a former All-Star, appears to be available amidst uncertainty with the Pelicans. New Orleans seems to be shifting focus towards building around Zion Williamson, and Ingram’s inability to secure a long-term extension suggests the franchise’s lack of commitment to him.

On the other hand, Hield’s playoff performance suggests he may not stay with the 76ers. However, there’s still considerable market interest in his skills, and the Pelicans present an appealing destination given their roster needs.

Examining the potential impact of this trade on the 76ers:

Positives:
1. **Acquiring an All-Star**: Adding Ingram would provide the 76ers with another high-caliber player to complement Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, potentially elevating their competitiveness.
2. **Scoring and Versatility**: Ingram brings scoring versatility and length, enhancing the team’s offensive options and defensive versatility.
3. **Addressing Hield’s Future**: This trade would resolve the uncertainty surrounding Hield’s future with the 76ers, potentially providing clarity and allowing the team to move forward with a clearer roster plan.

Negatives:
1. **Loss of Draft Assets**: Giving up the 16th overall pick in this year’s draft and a future second-round pick diminishes the team’s draft capital, limiting their ability to add young talent or make future moves.
2. **Salary Considerations**: Ingram’s contract may require significant salary commitment, potentially impacting the team’s flexibility in future roster moves.
3. **Fit and Chemistry**: Integrating a new All-Star into the team could disrupt existing chemistry and require adjustments to playing styles and roles.

Ultimately, the decision for the 76ers hinges on their assessment of Ingram’s fit with the team, the value of the assets being traded, and their long-term roster strategy. If they believe Ingram can significantly bolster their championship aspirations, this trade could be worthwhile despite the associated risks.

Why the 76ers should trade for Brandon Ingram

Philadelphia’s pursuit of a reliable third star to solidify their core for the foreseeable future has been extensively discussed. While Brandon Ingram has often been considered a secondary option, there are few available stars with his enduring talent.

Paul George, Jimmy Butler, and LeBron James have all been linked to the 76ers, but they are aging stars who may not seamlessly transition into tertiary roles. Additionally, their injury histories pose a significant concern for a team plagued by injuries in the past.

Ingram, known as one of the NBA’s more versatile players, embodies the ideal third star. His adaptable skill set complements ball-dominant players like Embiid and Maxey, yet he possesses the individual prowess to lead when necessary. Ingram is an efficient scorer with the capacity to facilitate offense at a high level. Moreover, his defense, when fully engaged, presents a formidable challenge for opponents.

Considering the Pelicans’ reluctance to offer him a max extension, the 76ers could potentially persuade him to accept a slightly reduced contract in exchange for the opportunity to contend for a championship on a long-term basis. Furthermore, the outgoing players in this trade would likely not greatly impact the team’s overall strategy.

Should Philly move the needle for Ingram?

While Brandon Ingram presents a strong option for the 76ers in their pursuit of a third star and forming a sustainable core, the team’s current urgency to win a championship is paramount. Realistically, Daryl Morey and the front office would prefer a more established player, even if age is a consideration.

Given equal footing, there’s a higher likelihood that the 76ers would choose someone like Paul George over Ingram. A one-time All-Star like Ingram might not elevate the team to an undeniable championship level as much as perennial All-Stars who are battle-tested and proven.

However, if Ingram’s camp is open to a long-term deal at less than max terms, acquiring him could be a significant bargain with long-term benefits. He’s approaching his prime, and his versatile skill set could seamlessly fit into a slightly smaller role.

If New Orleans is receptive to receiving Buddy Hield, who could complement their core well, along with the proposed draft compensation, the 76ers should seriously consider pursuing Ingram in free agency. While it may not be a perfect solution, it offers a solid balance for both the present and immediate future of the team.