Report: The Philadelphia 76ers Are Seriously Considering In Trading For Chris Paul. What Should The 76ers Offer?

After a detrimental loss against the Boston Celtics, the Philadelphia 76ers desperately need to revamp their entire roster. From a lack of shooting to terrible contracts, the 76ers need to embark on a chance to compete for a championship. Chris Paul, who has no championship experience, let alone a finals appearance, could be the missing piece to this Philadelphia team. As good as Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons are, they lack leadership and need a player like Chris Paul to lead them to the promised lands. However, should Oklahoma even consider anyone from the 76ers roster? 

When dissecting the entirety of the Philadelphia 76ers, two outliers present themselves, which is massive contracts and players that cannot stretch the floor. Even though Joel Embiid is an above-average shooter at his position from the three-point range, players like Ben Simmons, who is the other star on the team, lacks a reliable jump-shot, which is problematic, especially in this era of basketball! However, trading for Chris Paul, one of the better shooters in the NBA, could mentor both stars and teach them different tricks in elevating their jump shot. As good as Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid are at their skill set, having a jump shot in this basketball era is essential. Players such as Greg Monroe, Jahlil Okafor, and Larry Sanders are either not in the NBA anymore or are struggling to get minutes on their teams due to the lack of a jump shot. If this were the 90’s, those three players would have had long careers as they play traditional basketball and post-up rather than stretching the floor. Not all centers fall into this category. Players like Rudy Gobert or Andre Drummond lack a reliable jump-shit but bring other vital strengths for success, such as rebounding, defending, and their overall presence in the paint. 

Possessing a jump-shot is needed for a player to succeed in the NBA hence why Philadelphia struggled as a team this season. On paper, this team was arguably constructed the best in the Eastern Conference. However, due to injuries, lack of chemistry, and shooting, the 76ers ended up getting swept in a disrespectful fashion! Trading for Chris Paul may not fix these issues right away, but attaining a player that brings leadership, positive locker room presence, and passion should elevate the 76ers in the right direction. The 76ers would have a mixture of new talent with an old school mentality, which this team lacks. Having the right mentality in game situations is what will most likely elevate this team to success. If Joel Embiid or Ben Simmons has the right mentality and eagerness to say “I Can Do This”, chances are that this team will find success and will be one of the best teams in the NBA. Chris Paul has proven that he has this mentality. He led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a historic season and led his team to the playoffs because he introduced his mentality and instilled that to his teammates, which they embraced. If Chris Paul could lead a team that only had a 0.2% chance at making the playoffs imagine what he could do with a team that already possesses All-Stars! In terms of the trade offer, the best-case scenario that the Philadelphia 76ers could offer is Tobias Harris and Mike Scott in exchange for Chris Paul. 

In the end, there are better destinations for Chris Paul to be traded too, such as the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks. At this point in his career, the former All-Star should look to join a team that can propel him to a championship victory. The fit for him in Philadelphia is a good story and scenario for him, but with the Eastern Conference rising, the chances are that the 76ers will look to be a contender, and that’s it. Teams such as the Brooklyn Nets, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks are all better organizations, regardless of Chris Paul. The fit would work and would grant Philadelphia a new culture; however, the NBA is evolving and is looking to be much more competitive in both conferences! Furthermore, the Oklahoma City Thunder could most likely receive a better package for Paul as he was an All-Star this year while arguably being the most impactful player for his team this season! He may not have received a nomination for the MVP award, but he was the MVP of his team and was the sole reason why OKC made it to the playoffs. The 76ers might elevate his chances in winning, but the Milwaukee Bucks would be an organization he would prosper in as they have all the tools to win a championship except experience and leadership!