The Philadelphia 76ers are improving their roster and continue to grow as a team ahead of the 2022-23 season. They have a solid roster led by their star duo Joel Embiid and James Harden, but are looking for more.
One name that has surfaced is Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving, who is looking to get out of New York. The Nets juggle Irving’s situation and Kevin Durant’s trade request.
The Sixers have been named as: a possible suitor for Irving by The Athletic and The Stadium’s Shams Charania. An exchange for Irving is unlikely. The Sixers have different needs to address and Irving is unreliable, but it’s fun to watch some fake transactions.
This one comes from NBA Analysis Network and it has the Sixers taking over Irving for a deal involving Tobias Harris.
The fake trade proposal
Brooklyn Nets Hosted: F Tobias Harris, G/F Matisse Thybulle, 2029 First Round Pick (PHI)
Philadelphia 76ers receive: G Kyrie Irving
NBA Analysis Network on Why the Sixers Close the Deal
This deal once again sees the Nets bring in two quality players in exchange for Irving. In this case, they also receive a first-round pick from the Philadelphia 76ers. Realistically, this is a higher ceiling, lower floor deal for Brooklyn. We say that largely because it includes 25-year-old Thybulle.
Thybulle has shown with the Philadelphia 76ers that he is already one of the best defensive players in the NBA, but his attack leaves much to be desired. Let’s face it: Thybulle will never become a creator of the dribble.
But if only Thybulle could improve his 3-point efficiency it would go a long way in making him a high-end starter. If he did, it could be the best value the Nets could hope to get for Irving.
Analyzing the deal from Sixers’ point of view
Irving is clearly an amazing talent. No doubt he is a top 10 to 15 player based on talent alone. He averaged 27.4 points and 5.8 assists while shooting 46.9% from the floor and 41.8% from deep in 29 games in the 2021-22 season, but that’s exactly the problem with him. He’s not a reliable player in terms of availability, and it wouldn’t be the best move for Philadelphia to make it to him.
In addition, the man may have a headache from the floor. He has played in 103 games in three seasons with the Nets, and it always seems like something is happening around him. Again, a great player and a joy to watch, but the availability issues can sometimes prove to be too much.
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