The Philadelphia 76ers are being urged to pursue a trade for an Eastern Conference center who can backup Joel Embiid.
Given Joel Embiid's extensive history of injuries, the rest of the Philadelphia 76ers' frontcourt is one of the most important supporting casts in the NBA.
Currently, Embiid is backed up by Adem Bona and Andre Drummond. Bona, a second-round pick in 2024, has played valuable minutes for the Sixers this season, averaging 4.0 points and 3.9 rebounds on 58.2% shooting in 37 appearances. Meanwhile, Drummond is an established veteran who still offers solid production at age 32, as he's recording 7.0 points and 8.9 rebounds per game.
All this is to say, Philadelphia likely wouldn't mind adding another center at this year's trade deadline. FanSided's Max Gamarra predicts the 76ers could trade for Brooklyn Nets big man Day'Ron Sharpe to back up Embiid.
"Morey would be leaving money on the table if he didn’t at least pick up the phone to check in with Nets GM Sean Marks about Day’Ron Sharpe," Gamarra wrote. "Brooklyn’s managerial strategy with regards to its roster is so desultory, there can be no knowing if a trade is possible until it lands on Marks’ desk."
Sharpe is having another solid season with the Nets, averaging 7.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists on 60.3% shooting in 43 games played. One skill the Sixers' frontcourt is missing outside of Embiid is perimeter shooting, which the 24-year-old doesn't offer. He is shooting just 20% from the arc on 0.7 attempts per game.
Going after a stretch-five such as Milwaukee Bucks' Bobby Portis or Indiana Pacers' Jay Huff may be more beneficial for Philadelphia.
Although Sharpe's contract is incredibly ideal. He is in the first season of a two-year, $12.5 million contract, which has a team option for the 2026-2027 season.
With Embiid looking healthier with every passing game, maybe investing more in another backup center isn't the right move at all. He is averaging 25.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.7 assists on 48.5% shooting in 26 games. Instead, it may be a better alternative for the 76ers to target a 3-and-D wing at the upcoming deadline.
While Sharpe is a solid option who would come at a rather low asking price, there may be better targets for the Sixers.
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