NBA Trade Deadline: Grading every deal the 76ers made

With the NBA trade deadline now in the rearview mirror, 76ers fans can move forward with a clear understanding of the team’s intentions: the buyout market.

General Manager Daryl Morey started off the deadline strong by acquiring Buddy Hield, a move that echoed the team’s dissatisfaction with their 3-7 record over the last ten games — but the rest of the deadline fell short of expectations.

Here are my grades and analysis of each trade the 76ers made during the 2024 NBA trade deadline.

1 OF 4

76ers Receive: SF/SG Buddy Hield

The 30-year-old sharpshooter is having a down year when comparing this year’s statistics to his career averages, but he offers the Sixers something that they haven’t had since they traded Seth Curry to the Nets – a high-volume 3-point shooter.

Hield will likely be more effective when Joel Embiid eventually returns to the court, but until then he can offer the 76ers the occasional dominant game, along with being a fairly consistent double-digit scorer.

Grade: B+
_{I decided to give the trade a B+ because I do believe Hield will benefit from a change of scenery and a larger role.}

27 PTS, 4 REB, 6 3PM

Buddy Hield sets a new single-season Pacers record with 230 made threes 🎯 pic.twitter.com/bpLcUbWdPG

— NBA (@NBA) February 16, 2023

---

Pacers Receive: PF Marcus Morris Sr. (traded to Spurs – likely to be bought out), also receive SF Furkan Korkmaz, 2024 2nd Round (via TOR), 2029 2nd Round (via POR), and 2029 2nd Round (via LAC)
_{(update: Furkan Korkmaz was waived by the Pacers)}

Simply put, the Indiana Pacers were looking for some draft capital in return for a player with an expiring contract who they had no intentions of re-signing.

In return, they also received veteran Marcus Morris Sr. and Furkan Korkmaz, both players who struggled to find playing time with the Sixers.

Grade: C+
_{After trading for Pascal Siakam, I figured that the Pacers would try to see what they could do in the playoffs this year, and unless they use the 2nd rounders for future trade, I think it would’ve made sense to hold on to Buddy Hield for the rest of the season.}

2 OF 4

76ers Receive: PG Cam Payne, also receive 2027 2nd-Round (via MIL)

The 76ers traded Patrick Beverley — that hurts, but I’m not going to let it blind me from what Cam Payne can offer to the Sixers going forward.

In about 15 minutes per game this season, Payne is averaging 6.2 points per game, shooting 45% from the field, and nearly 40% from the 3-point line.

It’ll be interesting to see what the Sixers ask of Payne, who has been playing an off-the-ball role for the Bucks this season. Could they ask him to revert to his Phoenix Suns ways of running the second unit? Maybe — but to me, it’s more likely that they have a different point guard in mind to run the second unit …*cough* Kyle Lowry.

Grade: B
_{Could become a B+ if the Sixers land Kyle Lowry.}

Cam Payne pulls up from deep ‼️

Suns have their largest lead of the game on ESPN. pic.twitter.com/zusWl9Gz7Z

— NBA (@NBA) February 25, 2023

---

Bucks Receive: PG Patrick Beverley

Aside from the immaculate vibes that Beverley brought to the Sixers, he was a great defensive presence for the second unit — a void that the Bucks are filling by making this trade.

In addition to the defense, Beverley will put up a similar offensive output to Payne (besides the 3-point shooting).

Grade: B+

3 OF 4

76ers Receive: Cap Space

The cap space will likely be used in the buyout market, and if so, whoever the player is will have a more impactful role than Daniel House Jr. did, therefore it’s a good move.

Grade: A

---

Pistons Receive: 2024 2nd Round (via NYK), also receive SF Daniel House Jr. (was cut by the team)

The Pistons are doing exactly what a rebuilding team should do at the deadline: sell players and acquire draft picks.

Good for them.

Grade: A+

4 OF 4

76ers Receive: 2024 2nd Round (via CHI/NO)

It doesn’t look too good to lose a young player like Jaden Springer, but the pick could very well be used in a trade in the offseason or at the next trade deadline.

Only time will tell, but until then, there is only one grade it can get.

Grade: F

---

Celtics Receive: SG Jaden Springer

Boston is receiving a 21-year-old former first-round pick who has struggled to find a groove in the NBA thus far.

There’s no debating that Springer has talent, especially defensively, but his offensive game will require some development if he is to become an impact player.

Grade: A-

If I had one word to describe the Sixers deadline, I would choose “mediocre.”

The Sixers have 32 games remaining in the regular season, and they’ll need General Manager Daryl Morey to be active in the buyout market and bring in reinforcements to help the squad in a potential playoff run.

welcome to Philly, Buddy Hield! pic.twitter.com/EtjeS7CPvn

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 9, 2024

Mandatory Credit: Julio Aguilar