Days after losing All-Star center Joel Embiid indefinitely due to a knee injury, the Philadelphia 76ers responded with a small addition at the NBA trade deadline by acquiring Buddy Hield. However, the NBA buyout market could be even more important for the 76ers.
Philadelphia never came close to a blockbuster trade with the assets acquired from the offseason James Haren deal nor did it find an injury replacement for Embiid. However, the 76ers did walk out of Thursday’s deadline with Hield joining the team’s rotation to provide perimeter shooting.
- Buddy Hield stats: 12 PPG, 2.6 3PM per game, 38.4% 3PT
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With many NBA contenders limited in their ability to add talent via the buyout market, the 76ers are one of a few playoff-caliber teams who can be active landing one of the top players expected to become available. While several intriguing former All-Stars and key rotational players are likely hitting the buyout market, Philadelphia seems focused on one specific option.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the 76ers are prioritizing Kyle Lowry on the buyout market if he’s able to secure his release from the Charlotte Hornets in the coming days.
Lowry, 37, hasn’t taken the court since being traded to the Charlotte Hornets by the Miami Heat. In 37 games for Miami this season, he started 35 games while averaging 8.2 points and shot 38.5 percent from the perimeter.
- Kyle Lowry stats: 8.2 PPG, 4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 42.6% FG, 55.4% eFG, 1.4 turnovers per game
Charlotte held Lowry out of its rotation through the NBA trade deadline, hoping one team would express interest in acquiring the former star guard. Now that the trade deadline has passed, Lowry is expected to pursue a buyout with the Hornets. At this time, however, there are no guarantees he and the Hornets agree to a buyout. If they don’t then it’s possible the 76ers could pursue someone like Spencer Dinwiddie.
