[brid video=”670628″ player=”23231″ title=”76ers%20rumors%20A%20Chris%20Paul%20trade%20just%20makes%20too%20much%20sense” duration=”54″ description=”The Philadelphia 76ers seemingly changed up their entire philosophy on a dime following another early departure in the NBA Playoffs. It’s led to widespread rumors that new front office head Daryl Morey will now look to reshape the roster in his mold. Could that include future Hall of Fame guard Chris Paul?” uploaddate=”2020-10-30 16:53:14″ thumbnailurl=”https://cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/17660/thumb/670628_t_1604076830.png” contentUrl=”https://cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/17660/sd/670628.mp4″]
There’s certainly a lot of Philadelphia 76ers news floating about these days with free agency slated to start in about a week. That’s primarily because Philadelphia added a new head coach in that of Doc Rivers and front office head in Daryl Morey.
Recent rumors suggest that the 76ers could be in on Houston Rockets guard James Harden, who could be traded this offseason. We now have another report pertaining to a former Rockets star and the 76ers.
Related: If you’re a fan of the 76ers, check out #PhilaUnite rumors, rankings, and news here.
76ers news: Team in on Chris Paul trade
“There are some East teams that are interested (in Paul),” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported. “I think New York has interest. Philadelphia has interest. I believe there’s been some cursory conversation between Philadelphia and Oklahoma City, but I don’t get the impression there’s any traction there.”
Set to count $41 million against the cap in 2020-21, Paul will be hard to trade. That’s magnified by the fact that he also has a $44.2 million cap hit for the 2021-22 campaign.
In terms of his on-court value, Paul continues to play at a high level. He averaged 17.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.7 assists on 49% shooting from the field. Contending teams that could make it work financially would certainly love to bring Paul aboard.
Related: NBA Draft rumors
76ers news: How would a Chris Paul trade look?
Unlike a potential Harden trade, the 76ers would not move Ben Simmons in a deal for Paul. Given his advanced age (35) and bloated contract, Paul just isn’t as valuable on the trade market as his former teammate.
Any deal would have to include the bloated contract of Al Horford heading to Oklahoma City. That’s just to make the contracts work. From there, Philadelphia sends wing Josh Richardson, either Matisse Thybulle or Zhaire Smith and a first-round pick to the Thunder.
Of course, that’s just speculation right now.
What we do know is that Paul has a built-in relationship with new 76ers front office head Daryl Morey dating back to their days with the Rockets. Philadelphia is also in need of a traditional point guard and more perimeter shooting.