As the 2024 NBA season progresses, the Philadelphia 76ers find themselves at a crossroads, balancing their pursuit of an NBA championship with the realities of roster construction. Despite the standout performances of Joel Embiid and the explosive growth of Tyrese Maxey, the team’s front office is actively scouting the market for additional pieces to surround their stars. With a focus on depth and versatility, the 76ers are exploring trade opportunities to strengthen their supporting cast and improve their chances of making a deep postseason run. In particular, Philadelphia is keeping a keen eye on the market for role players—veterans who can add scoring, defense, and leadership, helping to elevate the team’s championship aspirations.
As the 2024 season hits its stride, the Philadelphia 76ers are in a favorable position. With Joel Embiid continuing to dominate as one of the league’s top players, and Tyrese Maxey emerging as a dynamic second option, the team has a solid core. Embiid remains a top contender for MVP honors, while Maxey has shown significant improvement, particularly as a primary ball handler and scorer.
However, the 76ers’ roster still has notable gaps specifically in the areas of bench scoring and defense. While Embiid and Maxey are capable of carrying the load offensively, the team’s supporting cast has been inconsistent. The need for a reliable third scorer, defensive-minded wings, and quality depth behind their starters has been apparent throughout the early part of the season.
In particular, the 76ers’ bench has been a point of concern. While Tobias Harris has been a steady contributor in the starting lineup, the depth behind him remains thin. Players like De’Anthony Melton and Paul Reed have flashed moments of brilliance but haven’t been able to consistently maintain a high level of play. As a result, Philadelphia’s front office, led by President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey, is reportedly looking to add pieces that can provide immediate impact, particularly in terms of scoring and defense.
In today’s NBA, the importance of role players cannot be overstated. The success of championship-contending teams is often determined by how well their supporting cast performs in high-pressure situations. Stars like Embiid and Maxey can’t do it all alone, and having reliable role players who can step up when called upon is essential for sustained success.
Philadelphia’s recent playoff failures, particularly in the 2024 postseason, highlighted the need for a more well-rounded roster. In past years, the team’s reliance on star players such as James Harden (before his trade to the Clippers) has been a double-edged sword. While Harden’s scoring and playmaking were invaluable, the absence of a strong bench unit meant that the 76ers often struggled when their stars needed rest. In addition, there were games where Embiid or Maxey was forced to carry the load alone, and without consistent support, Philadelphia faltered.
Now, the 76ers’ management is focused on adding players who can excel in specific roles. They are seeking players who can contribute defensively, space the floor, and provide scoring bursts off the bench. The idea is not only to reduce the pressure on Embiid and Maxey but also to ensure that the team has the necessary tools to compete with the NBA’s elite teams, particularly in a playoff series.
While there’s no indication that the 76ers are preparing for a blockbuster trade, the front office has been active in monitoring the market for role players who could fit into their system. The following types of players are most likely on their radar:
1. Defensive Wings: With Embiid anchoring the defense in the paint, Philadelphia could benefit from adding wings who can defend multiple positions and offer perimeter shooting. A player who can switch defensively and provide another layer of rim protection alongside Embiid would be a valuable addition. Players like Jaden Ivey of the Detroit Pistons or Matisse Thybulle from the Portland Trail Blazers have been mentioned as potential targets for their defensive prowess and ability to create turnovers.
2. Bench Scorers: A key area of focus for the 76ers is adding a player who can provide scoring off the bench especially when Embiid or Maxey sits. The team is looking for someone who can create their own shot, space the floor, and provide a scoring punch when needed. Players such as Seth Curry, who has previously played for the 76ers, or Buddy Hield from the Indiana Pacers, who is a prolific three-point shooter, could fill this role and elevate the offense when the stars rest.
3. Veteran Leadership: In a season where expectations are high, the 76ers also understand the value of leadership and experience. A player who can steady the ship during tough stretches, both on and off the floor, is critical. Kyle Lowry, who brings both leadership and toughness, has been frequently linked to contending teams this season. His ability to manage a game and mentor younger players would fit in well with the 76ers’ locker room.
4. Rebounding and Rim Protection: Despite the dominance of Embiid, the 76ers could stand to add a backup big man who can provide extra rebounding and rim protection, especially in smaller lineups. Players like Jakob Poeltl of the Toronto Raptors or Nerlens Noel, a free agent known for his defensive and shot-blocking ability, could offer the necessary depth behind Embiid.
As the season moves forward, the 76ers will likely engage in talks with various teams to explore trade opportunities. Some of the likely trade partners include:
1. Miami Heat: With the Heat’s strong playoff pedigree, they are always a team that could be open to trading players for the right pieces. The Heat have depth at the guard and wing positions, with players like Kyle Lowry, Max Strus, and Duncan Robinson all potentially available for trade. A player like Lowry could help the 76ers with leadership and toughness, while a sharpshooter like Robinson would add much-needed spacing to their offense.
2. Portland Trail Blazers: The Blazers are currently in a rebuilding phase and might be willing to part with veterans like Matisse Thybulle or Jerami Grant in exchange for younger assets or draft picks. Thybulle’s defense and shooting could make him an excellent fit for the 76ers, while Grant’s scoring versatility could add another layer to their offense.
3. Indiana Pacers: The Pacers are also in a transition period and could be open to moving players like Buddy Hield or Miles Turner for the right price. A three-point shooter like Hield would fit well alongside Embiid and Maxey, while Turner’s rim protection would offer valuable depth behind Embiid.
As the 2024 trade deadline approaches, the Philadelphia 76ers remain vigilant, knowing that their championship window is wide open but not without challenges. With a superstar in Embiid and a rising star in Maxey, the team is well-positioned to compete, but adding the right role players will be crucial to achieving their ultimate goal: an NBA title.
For now, the 76ers continue to explore trade options, keeping a close eye on players who can fill the gaps and help them achieve sustained success in the playoffs. If Daryl Morey and the front office are able to land the right pieces, Philadelphia could very well emerge as one of the top contenders in the East and solidify its place among the NBA’s elite.