New mock trade has Sixers acquiring Jae Crowder from Suns in a deal
The Feb. 9 trade deadline in the NBA is rapidly approaching and now is the time for teams to begin thinking about how they can improve for the stretch run of the season and into the playoffs.
The Philadelphia 76ers are a team with title aspirations for the 2022-23 season, but they could certainly use another wing player who can play in the postseason. Somebody who can knock down the 3-pointer while also playing some solid perimeter defense.
A mock trade from NBA Analysis Network has the Sixers giving the Phoenix Suns a call to acquire a veteran forward in Jae Crowder who has finals experience.
The fake trade proposal
Phoenix Suns Receive: G/F Furkan Korkmaz, G/F Matisse Thybulle
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F Jae Crowder
NBA Analysis Network on why the Sixers do this deal
To some, this may not make sense to either the Sixers or Crowder.
After all, the 76ers already roster Harris, P.J. Tucker and Danuel House. Why should they target another 3-and-D wing?
For that matter, Crowder is dissatisfied in Phoenix because he lost his role as the Suns’ starting power forward. He’s been sitting out games as a result. Why would he want to join the Sixers?
Well, every contender could always use another 3-and-D wing. That sorts out Philly’s interest. Meanwhile, Crowder himself may be happy to simply feel wanted.
Analyzing the deal from a Sixers standpoint
President Daryl Morey is never one to shy away from any deals that he feels would put his team in a better position to contend for that specific season. That is why this deal might make sense in a way. Crowder has been to the finals with both the Suns and the Miami Heat so he understands what it takes to get there and he would be a guy who can add to the bench unit on both ends of the floor.
Moving a guy like Thybulle would be a risk considering how elite of a defender he is, though. The Sixers have a lot of success when he plays (10-0 when he plays 20+ minutes) and he is a real difference-maker for this team defensively so that’s something that should cause some apprehension on this deal. The Suns have had a tough season as they haven’t been able to find the same success they’ve had in the past so they would want a guy like Thybulle to make this deal happen.
Verdict: It’s a toss-up. It depends on how the Sixers value winning right now compared to their future.
