NBA Trade Rumors: 5 playoff hopefuls that should buy at the deadline

Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James (Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports)
Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James (Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports)
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Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)

Philadelphia 76ers

We are finishing this article off with THE ticking time bomb. Philly’s involvement in the deadline this year is what will differentiate it from a fun one to an all-timer.

You all know why. Ben Simmons. If you need me to go into more detail, you have not paid a lick of attention this season. The noise coming out of Philly is that they will be waiting until this offseason for a Simmons move. National reporters (namely Sam Amick) view the situation differently.

If the 76ers do make a deal at the deadline, it is going to be complex and bananas. An absolute blockbuster. It will include a minimum of three teams, and I would bet on four if there was a line out there for it. Tobias Harris’ massive deal may or may not be part of it.

Regardless of Simmons, the Sixers should be buying. Joel Embiid is once again a viable MVP candidate this season. Every win of theirs is on his shoulders. Every loss of theirs is despite his efforts. You cannot waste a year of his MVP peak, especially considering his injury history. Do us a favor, Daryl, and make the move. Thanks!

This really is one of the most exciting months in professional sports. The coverage is only going to intensify, as will the rumors. The introduction of the play-in means that there are more buyers than sellers. That is just okay for the sellers as it drives the price up (yeah I know basic economy, no biggie). For the buyers, it means they have to put their best offers forward. The five teams above better hope their offers are up to snuff.