Report: Philadelphia 76ers Linked To Trade for $149 Million Superstar

Instead of adding support for Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey at the NBA trade deadline, the Philadelphia 76ers ducked the luxury tax and dealt sophomore guard Jared McCain.

This decision is not paying off thus far, as the 76ers have a record of 4-7 since the deadline.

Not to mention, McCain is thriving with the Oklahoma City Thunder, averaging 12.5 points on 48.5% shooting and 43.1% shooting from three-point range in 11 appearances.

It's clear, however, Daryl Morey and company did attempt to acquire help for Embiid and Maxey. Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor revealed the 76ers were linked to a trade for Los Angeles Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard prior to the deadline.

"Executives have said that the Sixers were actively making calls pre-deadline, though nothing seemed remotely close. Some sources suggest that Morey was star hunting with Kawhi Leonard being a name that was connected to Philly," O'Connor wrote. "But nothing happened. So Embiid, Maxey and the team saw McCain get dealt, the tax get ducked, and no pieces brought in to help."

Given Leonard is on a three-year, $149 million contract, any trade between Philadelphia and the Clippers would have likely sent Paul George back to Los Angeles unless a third team was involved. It's entirely possible this is when negotiations came to a screeching halt, but it isn't known for sure.

Adding Leonard alongside Maxey and Embiid would have struck fear into Eastern Conference opponents, as he is having a career year on the offensive end and remains an elite defender. The seven-time All-Star is averaging 27.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.0 steals on 49.6% shooting and 37.8% shooting from three-point range in 46 games played this season.

The 34-year-old joining forces with Embiid and Maxey would have made Philadelphia among favorites to emerge victorious in the East, especially given how wide-open it is this season.

Whether or not the 76ers make another effort to land Leonard this offseason remains to be seen.

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Anthony Pasciolla is the publisher of 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com or followed on X @AnthonyPasci.