Philadelphia 76er’s fans expected their team to reach the 2019-2020 NBA Finals after signing Tobias Harris and Al Horford in the offseason. Unfortunately, the team fell well short of expectations after getting swept in the first round of the playoffs. Many would consider this past Sixers season as disastrous, as the lineup of Harris, Horford, Embiid, and Simmons didn’t quite fit well enough to win games against the faster and more skilled teams in the Eastern Conference. 

Even after a disappointing season, Sixers fans remain hopeful that the front office can improve the roster. The team has hired one of the most high-profile coaches in the NBA, Doc Rivers, to replace former coach Brett Brown, who many fans had turned on long before the 2019-2020 season even began. But what kind of players do the Sixers need to trade for in order for them to compete for a championship next season? 

What the Sixers lacked last year was speed, playmaking, and outside shooting. It is unlikely that the team can address all of these needs in one offseason. However, the Sixers have just enough assets left to execute a trade and address some of their needs. Who should the Sixers trade for, and how will these players fit with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons?

5. Victor Oladipo

Oladipo has battled injuries the last two seasons. But when he was at his best in 2017-2018, he was an All-Star, All-NBA, and was one of the best two-way guards in the league. During that year he averaged 23.1 points on 37% from three. He played elite defense and ascended to become one of the best combo guards in the league. Although his career-high is only 2.4 assists per game, he can handle the ball alongside Ben Simmons, and could realistically become the team’s third scoring option behind Embiid and Simmons. He was once a good player, but it would be a risk to trade for him, even though he’s on an expiring contract.

A reminder of how good a healthy Victor Oladipo is 🔥 pic.twitter.com/5OXkixxZBS

— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) July 13, 2020

4. Jrue Holiday

Holiday was once an All-Star for the 76ers in 2012-2013. He is unquestionably one of the best defensive guards in the NBA and can play either point guard or shooting guard. He’s proven to be a reliable shooter from deep during his career although he only made 35% this past year. He would be a great compliment next to Simmons and is a solid passer, averaging 6.7 assists in his career. He’s a sneaky good trade option who could help the Sixers contend for a title.

👀 This behind the back move from Jrue Holiday!

20 PTS | 8 AST | 6 STL pic.twitter.com/vrl7ZG2z4h

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) December 26, 2019

3. Paul George 

PG13 has not played well in any of his last three playoff runs. But would Sixers fans be upset if the front office traded for him? He’s debatably one of the best two-way players ever and did play at an elite level at times during the regular season this year. He shot 41% from three on eight attempts per game this past year with the Clippers, and yes, he’s still elite on defense. Playoff production aside, he has just about everything that the Sixers are looking for in his arsenal.

Paul George dropped 27 points in the first half 😳#ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/mQ1voUET6a

— NBA TV (@NBATV) December 2, 2019

2. Chris Paul

CP3 is without question one of the best point guards of all time. He’s a true floor general, a proven leader, and a player who can score at all three levels. He offers on-court leadership which the Sixers have sorely lacked these past three seasons. But beyond that, he’s decisive with the ball in his hands, and he can close games. Embiid, who is mostly a half-court player, would most benefit from CP3’s presence. Chris Paul’s playstyle does conflict with Simmons, who is at his best when running the fast break. But nevertheless acquiring CP3 would make the 76ers one of the favorites to win the Eastern Conference next season along with Boston, Miami, and Brooklyn.

28 points. 15 in the 4th. Clutch @CP3.

Game 7 ⏩ Wed. (9/2) at 9pm/et on ESPN pic.twitter.com/CAB9yDloJr

— NBA (@NBA) September 1, 2020

1. Buddy Hield 

Hield is the best trade option on the market for Ben Simmons. He shot 39% from three last year on 9.6 attempts per game. If the Sixers acquired Hield, he could be everything and more that Sixers fans wanted JJ Reddick to be. Hield would provide spacing for Embiid in the half-court and would be a threat to score twenty-five or thirty points on any given night. His time in Sacramento could be coming to an end sooner rather than later, and he could compete for a title if he were to be traded to Philadelphia.

Ben Simmons had the most assists on three-pointers made this year. Now imagine pairing him with the guy who had the second most made threes this year (244) in Buddy Hield. Can’t imagine how well they would thrive together. pic.twitter.com/uehhSaLGOW

— Kevin McCormick (@KevinMcC973) April 12, 2020

Depending on what the 76ers trade for these players, each one of them would improve the team. But the question is what would they have to give up? A trade for any one of these players could involve any combination of Al Horford, Josh Richardson, Shake Milton, Furkan Korkmaz, or the 2020 OKC 1st round pick that the Sixers own. The Sixers should be reluctant to trade Matisse Thybulle though. Whoever the 76ers trade for, they should be a player who adds either shooting, defense, or playmaking to their starting lineup.

Mandatory Credit: The Sacramento Bee