Bulls guard Zach Lavine is one of two NBA stars the 76ers are eyeing to pair with reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey after the franchise traded James Harden, according to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix.
In addition to Harden, Philadelphia traded P.J. Tucker and Filip Petrusev to the Clippers in exchange for KJ Martin, Robert Covington, Marcus Morris, Nicolas Batum, a 2028 unprotected first-round draft pick, two second-round selections and a pick swap, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The 76ers also will also receive another first-round pick from a third team, the Thunder, as part of the deal.
But with Harden’s departure, Mannix reported that Lavine is the type of scorer and ballhandler that the 76ers could incorporate with Embiid. Mannix also suggested Raptors forward OG Anunoby as a potential candidate in Philadelphia because of his defensive versatility.
Harden’s trade from the franchise comes less than a week after Los Angeles stated that it was “stepping back” and “pausing” trade talks with the 10-time All-Star ahead of the start of the 2023–24 season.
Currently, the Sixers sit at 2–1 on the season and are coming off a 126–98 win against the Blazers on Sunday.
Some of the early chatter on names to watch with Philadelphia: Zach LaVine and OG Anunoby. LaVine is the kind of scorer/ball handler the Sixers could use. Anunoby is the versatile defender Philly needs against Boston/MIL in the playoffs.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) October 31, 2023
