There’s been a lot of talk recently about the Philadelphia 76ers young core. After an unexpected 52-30 season and earning the 3 seed in the East, the Sixers are primed to make a run for a superstar this summer in free agency. A lot of talk has centered around Lebron James, but is he really the piece that they need? Currently, the Sixers have two of the brightest young stars in the NBA with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons and a veteran superstar may be the thing that makes this team a title contender. Lebron has been the center of these free agency rumors after he was spotted visiting Philadelphia private schools during a road trip in February. The fact is though that Lebron isn’t the only name floating around the rumor mill.
All-NBA small forward Kawhi Leonard has also been at the center of possible big names coming to the City of Brotherly Love, and let me tell you I am all about it. Leonard is an All-Star, 2x Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP has really revolutionized his game over the last few years and become one of the most dominant players in the game. The Sixers have recently expressed interest in trading for Leonard and I believe that it’s the best move for their team. The best trade that I feel Sixers can offer is Robert Covington who just earned All NBA Defensive First Team honors and Markelle Fultz who although he had a rough rookie year is only 20 years old and has star potential. This move would not only allow Philly to gain the veteran leadership they need, but would allow them to be even more enticing for big name free agents.
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The negatives of Kawhi over Lebron are pretty clear, however. His nagging quad injury held him out for most of this season holding him to only 9 games this year. It’s a huge concern for teams that are willing to trade for him, especially after the Isaiah Thomas fiasco that happened in Cleveland this past year. If Philly is able to get Leonard then expected to go after a shooting guard this summer.
