Roster - Philadelphia 76ers

News · Roster · Patch · Statistics · Units · Ratings · Schedule · Transactions · NBA Stats · TbT

Big Trade

12-17-2017

PHILADELPHIA- Desperate times call for desperate measures. After the Sixers soured on recently acquired James Johnson, GM VT scoured the league for a replacement. Names from Al Horford to Enes Kanter were rumored to come to Philly, however the team ended up making up a surprising trade for another big.

After hours of intense negotiations, the Sixers pulled off a four-team trade where they sent out Avery Bradley and Richard Jefferson to the Boston Celtics and Johnson to the Toronto Raptors. In return, they snagged big man Brook Lopez and swingman Marco Belinelli.

In Lopez, GM VT pick up a star center whose career is on a bit of downslide. In a contract year, there is a risk that he will bolt for another team, but the Sixers hope that he will stick around. However, with Rudy Gobert playing center, Lopez will likely be asked to play at the power forward slot.

“I’m excited to come to the Sixers,” Lopez said. “I understand the team is struggling right now. Hopefully, my presence will help turn some things around.”

The price for Lopez was the loss of Bradley. Acquired over the summer for C.J. McCollum, Bradley was slated to be the next starting shooting guard for the Sixers. However, Will Barton, also in a contract year, has been making the case to win the job.

“It was a tough decision,” GM VT said. “A lot of the other teams wanted picks in the deal. We were able to get one of the best bigs in the league and hold onto the pieces for our future.”

Belinelli, a sharpshooter, will get minutes off the bench as Barton’s backup. The move also moves the Sixers into the luxury tax territory.

As for Johnson, he only played 17 games for the Sixers. What did he do lose VT’s favor so quickly?

“No comment,” VT said. “We wish Johnson well in Toronto.”

Previous Article	Page 63/109 2017-12-17 21:01:59	Next Article