If the Philadelphia 76ers do end up making a move by the NBA trade deadline, it will more than likely be for a player from the Atlanta Hawks.
Over the last few weeks, we’ve heard the Sixers being connected to various Hawks’ players such as backup point guard Jeremy Lin, forward Taurean Prince and center Dewayne Dedmon.
However, when it came to Lin, the Hawks reportedly want a first-round pick in return for the veteran guard. Good luck with trying to pry that away from a contending team.
Speaking of Dedmon, it appears that the interest is real between Atlanta and Philly. ESPN’s Tim Bontemps reported on Wednesday that the Sixers are interested in the veteran big man. But the NBA scribe also added that Philly would have to give up former first overall pick Markelle Fultz in a potential deal.
Till this point, the Sixers have been reluctant to give up Fultz in a trade, despite him being on and off the court. The former University of the Washington point guard is currently rehabbing from thoracic outlet syndrome. It remains to be seen if or when the second-year point guard will return to the hardwood.
In 19 games this season, Fultz is averaging 8.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 22.5 minutes per game.
Nevertheless, it does not come as a surprise to see the Sixers’ growing interest in Dedmon. They need a competent backup center, who would also improve their bench.
The 29-year-old center is averaging 10.2 points and 7.5 rebounds in 24.7 minutes per game this season. In addition to his rebounding prowess and post play, the former Sixer has added a three-point shot to his skillset.
Dedmon is shooting 36.8-percent from three-point range on 3.1 attempts per game, which is better than both Joel Embiid (31-percent) and Mike Muscala (34.7-percent).
However, the bigger question at hand is Dedmon worth giving up Fultz? No way. It would be asinine for the Sixers to give up on the 20-year-old point guard, before seeing him at full strength.
Therefore, what is another possible trade idea for Dedmon? Since the veteran center is on an expiring deal, making $7.2 million this season.
The Sixers could put together a package consisting of Justin Patton ($2.7 million), Furkan Korkmaz ($1.7million), and a 2019 first-round pick.
On paper, this is not an appealing deal, but the Hawks would get a first-round pick, which they want and a couple of young players. It should be interesting to see if the Sixers get Dedmon or anybody at the deadline.
