(Photo by Lisa Lake/Getty Images for PGD Global)
The exhausting saga between the Philadelphia 76ers and James Harden is finally over, and the team is now ready to move on.
Despite all the drama he brought, Harden did a lot for the team, and Philadelphia is now looking to fill the void left behind.
According to Chris Mannix, via NBACentral, both Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls and OG Anunoby of the Toronto Raptors are “two names to watch” for the Sixers.
Zach LaVine and OG Anunoby are two names to watch for the Philadelphia 76ers, per @SIChrisMannix pic.twitter.com/YtZgDw9mno
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 31, 2023
The 76ers got a lot in their trade with the Los Angeles Clippers for Harden.
They received an unprotected 2028 first-round pick, a 2029 pick swap, and a future first-rounder from the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Those are good assets, but they are not the win-now talent that Daryl Morey desired.
However, they can all be converted into the sort of player the Sixers want.
They will just have to decide if they want to pursue a trade for LaVine or Anunoby.
LaVine would work well alongside Joel Embiid and would be a productive shot-maker like Harden.
However, he could also come across as redundant playing next to Tyrese Maxey, and his history of injuries might scare the Sixers away.
As for Anunoby, he would be a terrific defender for the team, something that the 76ers have wanted for a long time.
Last season, he averaged 16.8 points and 5 rebounds a game.
He also led the league in steals with 1.9 a game, and that is something that would interest the 76ers very much.
Now, Philadelphia will weigh their options and ultimately choose who works best on this team and who helps them achieve their goals.
They have finally sent Harden away, but their hard work is just beginning.
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