As a team near the top of the Eastern Conference playoff picture, largely happy with its current rotation and short on moveable assets, the Philadelphia 76ers aren't expected to be major players at the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline this season. However, that doesn't mean they won't look to upgrade the roster around the edges. Specifically, the Sixers would probably benefit from some added depth at the center spot and on the perimeter.
With that in mind, here's a look at five potential trade targets for Philadelphia ahead of next week's deadline.
1. Andre Drummond, Chicago Bulls
Philadelphia's most glaring need heading into the trade deadline is the backup center spot. Montrezl Harrell and Paul Reed have both shown some flashes of solid play, but neither has definitively secured the role of backup big behind Joel Embiid. It's been shown over the years how important that spot is, as Embiid obviously can't play the full 48 minutes, and it's important that the Sixers don't completely collapse when he's on the sideline. Head coach Doc Rivers has experimented with going small at times and using PJ Tucker as a small-ball five, but the Sixers will need size for potential playoff matchups against the likes of the Bucks, Celtics or Cavs, and neither Harrell or Reed have that size.
One guy who has that size, though, and is already familiar with the Sixers as an organization, is Andre Drummond. Drummond was traded from Philadelphia to Brooklyn last February in the deal that brought James Harden to the Sixers. Drummond then signed with the Bulls over the offseason, but he hasn't been a consistent contributor in Chicago, and as a result the Bulls could be willing to part with him.
Drummond was the best backup big that the Sixers have had in the Embiid era, and his addition would work to fortify the frontcourt and solidify the bench lineup. Plus, it seems safe to say that Drummond would welcome a trade back to Philly, as he recently stated that he misses playing for the organization, and in front of the fans.
"I think just how much of a family this organization is. They welcomed me, they made me feel very comfortable when I got here," Drummond said of the Sixers last month. "As a team, we just had a lot of fun as a team. We really cared about each other. We had one common goal which is to win as many games as possible and be great. I'm sad that we had to break things up in February. I definitely miss playing here. I had a lot of fun playing for Doc, somebody who I've known since a boy and have so much respect for him so to have the chance to play for him was awesome for me. The city of Philadelphia, man, the fan base is one of a kind. I loved it here."
Potential trade: 76ers receive Andre Drummond. Bulls receive Danuel House Jr., 2023 second-round pick (via ATL/CHA/BRK).
2. Tony Bradley, Chicago Bulls
If Philadelphia can't land one former Sixer-turned-Bull, perhaps they'll be able to land another. Like Drummond, Bulls reserve center Tony Bradley is familiar with the franchise and has experience serving as Embiid's backup -- a role he held briefly during the 2020-21 season. Bradley played so well during his stint with the Sixers that he prompted Embiid to jokingly tweet that the Sixers should build around Bradley.
