Trade Targets Who Could Help 76ers Improve Their Struggling Bench

The Philadelphia 76ers believed they built the perfect roster. They added some star players in Jaylen Brown and LeBron James. Then they added substantial depth to their bench, signing a variety of players they believed could help them win in convincing fashion.

Unfortunately for the bench, things aren’t looking too great for them. They are currently the worst scoring bench in the league, averaging 22.6 per game. Three of those bench players are key rotational pieces that are supposed to be volume shooters and players that were meant to be reliable when it came to shooting the three-ball.

Considering how bad it’s gotten, it may be time to look into some trades that could improve this lackluster bench. There just may be three players that can be of help.

1. Brook Lopez

Lopez is a big player that could be moved by the Los Angeles Clippers in a buyout situation. Considering the 76ers are in desperate need of a backup center, Lopez could be an option at a very cheap price. If that were to happen, the 76ers could sign him on a veteran minimum. With Lopez’s ability to shoot the ball, he already becomes the best backup to Embiid. You could see him adopt the Andre Drummond role of last year.

2. Jalen Smith

The Chicago Bulls are a drowning franchise that could be looking to move off from Smith in a trade. His 9.4 million salary is easily accessible to the 76ers who could trade away a player like Jabari Walker or Justin Edwards. The 76ers have played the Bulls twice now, and Smith has been more than adequate in getting to the offensive glass. Rebounding being such a huge problem for the 76ers would make this move a great decision.

3. Obi Toppin

Now this one could be a bit of a stretch. Toppin is in the last year of his contract, and the impact on the salary is relatively massive, with 15 million. This could require moving someone like Anfernee Simons and Caldwell-Pope along with another big. It may be a hard sell, but this team is in desperate need of scoring, and Toppin would be perfect. He’d be coming from the Pacers, who have a similar offense, as they like to push the ball. 

All three of these players would be a massive upgrade to the team's current situation. Now, if they can pull it off, it's another story, but something has to be done to help a team with championship aspirations improve soon.