The NBA trade deadline came and went, and as Philadelphia 76ers fans waited to see Daryl Morey's follow-up to trading Jared McCain for a late first-rounder and three second-round picks. While rumors ranged from acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo to salary-dumping Andre Drummond, the Sixers ultimately traded away Eric Gordon for a second-round pick swap, signed center Charles Bassey to a second 10-day contact and called it a day.
Just over a week prior, Embiid addressed the media following the team's victory over the Sacramento Kings, speaking on the team's handling of the trade deadline over the past couple of years and what he would like to see the team do at this year's deadline.
"Obviously, we've been ducking the tax the last couple of years, so hopefully we keep the same team," Embiid said. "I love all the guys that are here. I think we got a shot. So hopefully, I don't know what they're gonna do, but I hope that at least we got a chance to just go out and compete because we got a good group of guys in this locker room, and vibes are great. So yeah, like I said in the past, we've been, I guess, ducking the tax, so hopefully we would think about improving because I believe we have a chance."
Embiid's ask was simple. Either keep this team together or add talent at the trade deadline. Instead, the Sixers traded away a pair of shooters to recoup some low-end draft capital, create additional roster spots, and separate themselves from the NBA's luxury tax.
Philadelphia did so not only to add future assets, but also to allow itself some increased flexibility on a number of fronts, including potentially converting Dominick Barlow to a multi-year deal above the League's veterans minimum, potentially converting Jabari Walker, and having the flexibility to be competitive in the upcoming NBA buyout market.
The loss of Jared McCain has hit the Sixers' players and fans hard. The unfortunate truth is that trading McCain, as much as it was about getting below the tax and increasing roster optionality, is equally about McCain and his lack of future in Philadelphia moving forward.
McCain, at a remarkably young age, has shown an ability as a shooter and off-ball movement specialist to truly make an impact at the NBA level. Unfortunately, the scheme of head coach Nick Nurse on both ends is not conducive to a player of McCain's strengths, and his weaknesses clearly clash with the overall approach. This has been a primary cause of McCain's inconsistent minutes that have contributed to his rather slow recovery from multiple injuries.
Without the opportunity to rehab or improve his value, there is an argument to be made that the Sixers were simply better getting what they could while they could. It's not a defense of the situation, but an acknowledgment of the situation.
The Sixers did not improve at the NBA trade deadline, but they did manage to duck the tax. After yet another year of ducking the tax, especially after a rather clear message from Embiid, it's fair for the team's star center to question the direction of this organization.
The opportunities to make additions are not over, but the best names available are either on new teams or now off-limits. Watching teams like Cleveland, New York, Boston and Toronto all make additions while Philadelphia will instead rely on converting two-way players and trying to find diamonds in the rough in the NBA's buyout market.
While Sixers fans remember such buyout successes as Marco Belinelli and Ersan Ilyasova, it's important for fans to temper expectations, as that is one of the few examples of a team landing one, let alone two difference makers in the buyout market.
