The Philadelphia 76ers may have a chance at trading for Kevin Durant after another disappointing playoff elimination. Philadelphia has yet to get past the second round in the Joel Embiid era, and he remains the only former MVP to never play in a Conference Finals series. Durant may be on the trade block after the Houston Rockets also suffered an embarrassing elimination to give the 76ers a chance at upgrading their roster.
Fadeaway World pitched the following realistic trade package:
“Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Kevin Durant
Houston Rockets Receive: Paul George, 2028 First-Round Pick (LAC), 2029 First-Round Pick (PHI), 2031 First-Round Pick (PHI)
The Rockets also have to accept the George salary dump, but George will also be motivated to help them compete in the short-term. Houston could bet on Fred VanVleet’s return and the continued development of their young core to remain competitive, with George proving he can be a strong complementary piece as well.”
Paul George’s contract is the most realistic path towards the 76ers having a chance at Durant and most other bigger contracts. Houston would have to accept overpaying George $54 million next season and likely one more with a player option. However, gaining three first round draft picks in exchange for an aging superstar who had some huge negatives this season could be tempting.
Why Philadelphia 76ers Would Love Kevin Durant
Durant is obviously still a great player, but any franchise trading three picks for him is taking a huge risk. The Brookyln Nets and Phoenix Suns both look like the winners in their trades sending Durant away after both tenures ended with terrible failure.
Houston is looking like the loser in last summer’s trade after losing both Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green in exchange for the superstar. However, Philadelphia is in a unique situation where they can lose youth in favor of “win now” talent.
Both Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe are young enough to be cornerstones of the 76ers’ future for the next few years. Embiid’s massive contract requires the team to try to contend while he’s on the roster, while having the fail safe of two stars once that ends. Philadelphia could risk their draft picks to get the massive upgrade of George for Durant to give Embiid a better chance at contending.
Why Houston Rockets Would Quit On Kevin Durant
Houston clearly made last summer’s trade with the goal of contending for the NBA Championship every year now that they have a great core. Young talents like Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith, Amen Thompson, and Reed Sheppard gives them flexibility.
The Rockets could easily keep Durant and trade one or multiple players for another superstar. However, Durant failing to fit in with the team and having his burner controversy would make it logical to move him for more future assets.
Houston getting three picks from Philadelphia could give them the chance to pivot and acquire someone like Giannis Antetokounmpo. Sengun or Thompson and a plethora of picks very well might be the best trade offer on the table. George’s contract is a sunken cost, but the picks are so valuable that the Rockets would have to consider this offer.
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