Early this morning the 76ers finalized a trade sending PG Landry Shamet, PF Wilson Chandler, PF Mike Muscala, a 2020 first-round pick, Miami’s 2021 unprotected first round pick, and two second-round picks to the Los Angeles Clippers. In return, the Sixers received PF Tobias Harris, C Boban Marjanovic, and PF Mike Scott.
The trade came hours after Harris hit the game-winning shot to give the Clippers a win over the Charlotte Hornets. Nonetheless, what a trade for the 76ers.
With this trade, Philly has made it clear that they want to win now. This is an extraordinary pick up for a team that has to compete with the likes of Boston, Toronto, and Milwaukee who have more depth. Tobias Harris has been an All-Star caliber player this season, and now he’s about to play alongside two others.
Harris is averaging 20.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists on the season. He’s been the best player on the Clippers this season, and with his talents being taken to Philadelphia, other teams in the East have someone to fear. But how does he fit into a lineup with Embiid, Simmons, Butler, and Redick?
The Sixers now have a star-powered starting five. Simmons and Embiid have already been named to the All-Star teams. Butler and Harris can be seen as snubs, and then there’s the sharpshooter that is JJ Redick.
All season, fans and media alike have been pushing for the Sixers to acquire another shooter if they really want to contend in the East. Tobias Harris fits that role just right. He’s shooting 43.4% from behind the arc this season. Beyond that, all of these players can realistically shoot the rock. But, this trade also hurts the Sixers in some aspects as well.
The Sixers are now lacking a bench presence even more. To combat that, maybe Brett Brown will resort to playing his starters even more minutes than they already do. That shouldn’t be an issue. However, the lack of bench depth for the 76ers may be what kills them come playoff time. Nevertheless, the 76ers now have another All-Star caliber player and shooter that they needed. The road to the Finals for the East just got a whole lot tougher.
Effects On Los Angeles
Los Angeles traded away arguably their best player. After making this trade, it looks like the Clippers are not worried about winning immediately this season. It’s already been made known that the Clippers will try to recruit some marquee free agents this summer, and maybe like the Knicks, they’re preparing for that.
This trade provides flexibility for Los Angeles to pursue two top free agents. Don’t forget that the Clippers also received a whole lot of draft picks as well. This summer will likely judge whether the Clippers came out as huge winners of this trade or not.
Who won this trade? Like the New York trade, the free agent acquisitions that the Clippers may change the view. For now, Philly gained an All-Star caliber player that makes their starting lineup one to fear. The Celtics, Bucks, and Raptors should be on notice. Philly is coming…