For anyone looking for a blockbuster trade, this was not the year for it. The most important deal – or non deal – was the fact that Masai Ujiri decided to keep, 6-time all-star, Kyle Lowry in Toronto, despite a full court press from the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers.
There were, however, a few notable moves to include: Aaron Gordon to the Denver Nuggets, Nikola Vucevic to the Chicago Bulls, and George Hill to our Philadelphia 76ers.
The three-team trade was as follows:
Sixers get: George Hill, Iggy Brazdeikis
Thunder get: Tony Bradley, PHI’s 2nd round picks in 2025 and 2026, and Austin Rivers
Knicks get: Terrance Ferguson, Vincent Poirier, 2021 2nd round pick from PHI
On the surface, it’s pretty upsetting to just receive George Hill during this trade season, considering the abundance of rumors going around. The city of Philadelphia wanted the hometown hero, Kyle Lowry, badly. The all-star point guard fits this current team like a glove, being able to play off or on the ball, create shots for himself or for teammates, and play well on the defensive end.
However, the package that Toronto was seeking proved to be too much for, President of Basketball Operations, Daryl Morey. Rookie Tyrese Maxey, swingmen Matisse Thybulle and Danny Green, along with multiple picks is a package you send for Zach Lavine or Bradley Beal, not Kyle Lowry on an expiring deal.
Personally, I love the fact that Morey didn’t overpay for players out of desperation to keep up with the star-studded Brooklyn Nets. The move for George Hill was important, and the fact that he’s not an all-star like most available players, is what’s clouded most of this fanbase’s opinion of him.
The veteran guard has made the playoffs in 11 of his 13 seasons, which can’t be overstated. Similar to Lowry, he can play on or off the ball (40+% on catch and shoot 3’s in 7 of the last 8 seasons), operate the pick and roll, a good defender, and at 6’4 190 pounds, has a size advantage against most point guards.
The Sixers have been looking for a backup point guard since the process began, and they finally have a steady, reliable point guard that can, both, spot and play with all-star, Ben Simmons.
Head Coach, Doc Rivers and Morey both mentioned a few buyout candidates that they believe will come available soon. So keep your eyes on that market.
While it was unspectacular, at best, the Sixers got better at the deadline. #HereTheyCome
The Philly Blitz 