During his several interviews yesterday afternoon, 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey spoke with Colin Cowherd about an interesting nugget from their trade deadline negotiations.

Morey stated that the Nets made it a point they needed two first-round picks in the deal that sent James Harden to Philadelphia in exchange for Ben Simmons. Before the trade occurred, Morey spoke with a Western Conference team who had a player that they were interested in.

Philadelphia offered a first and was quickly shot down. Then out of curiosity, Morey offered two firsts, to which he was declined again, and was frustrated since he claimed “every 2k player, Colin Cowherd, Nick Wright, and every human on earth” would agree two picks was an overpay.

The 76ers eventually bit the bullet and sent two first-round picks, one of which is a 2027 selection protected 1-8, and conveys into two seconds if it doesn’t convey. Morey was hesitant to send two unprotected picks, claiming that doing that hinders a franchise’s future.

Now the question is, who was the player that Daryl Morey was talking about? It has to be someone that isn’t worth two firsts, so Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard, and any All-Star caliber player are already out the window. The best guess based on their needs is Villanova alumni Jalen Brunson or Rockets guard Eric Gordon.

A ball-handling guard was the Sixers’ biggest need before the deadline, which helps dwindle the names down. Houston also continues to hold a grudge against Morey, with Harden proving that in his press conference yesterday. So the Rockets holding Eric Gordon away from Philly no matter their price isn’t shocking in the slightest.

Mandatory Credit: Philadelphia Inquirer