The Philadelphia 76ers were the biggest disappointment of the 2024-25 NBA season.
The 76ers entered the season with sky-high expectations, but failed to even reach the playoffs in a lost season for a core that isn't getting any younger.
More news:Russell Westbrook Gets Unfortunate Update Regarding Future in NBA as Free Agency Rolls On
Joel Embiid, the league's Most Valuable Player just a few seasons ago, appeared in a career-low 19 games, ending a streak of seven consecutive All-Star appearances.
Paul George, the team's major offseason acquisition, played in 41 games, averaging his fewest points per game (16.2) in a season in over a decade.
While the 76ers had a lost season, finishing 24-58 and as the No. 13 seed in the Eastern Conference, Philadelphia is a candidate to have a major bounce back year.
Before the new season rolls around, though, Philadelphia was urged to make a trade to finalize its roster. Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report proposed a three-player trade in which the 76ers would add a durable forward from the Sacramento Kings.
"Trade idea: Philadelphia 76ers acquire Keegan Murray from the Sacramento Kings for Jared McCain and Kelly Oubre Jr."
"McCain played 23 games last year with minimal stakes, so let's be sure not to overstate how much he's proved as a pro to this point in his career. His profile might be on equal footing with Murray's, but should it be?" Hughes wrote.
"Murray set the rookie record with 206 made triples, has been a durable three-year starter and would give the Sixers some badly needed 3-and-D support alongside (or as a replacement for an injured) Paul George."
The 76ers drafted McCain in the first round of last year's draft, and he impressed in limited action, averaging 15.3 points per game on 46 percent shooting from the field and 38.3 percent from deep. However, he appeared in just 23 games before suffering a torn meniscus.
Oubre, on the other hand, averaged 15.1 points per game last season across 60 contests, and would be able to fill Murray's role for Sacramento.
For Philadelphia, they're betting on Murray continuing to stay healthy, providing valuable minutes as a 3-and-D forward. While it could be fair to wonder if McCain has more potential than Murray on his own, Hughes seems to believe Murray is a safer bet, which could make sense for a team in a win-now window with George and Embiid.
Related Articles
2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.