1. Joel Embiid | Size: 7’0″ 250 lbs. | College: Kansas | DOB: 3/16/1994
You don’t trade Joel Embiid to anyone in any universe. Even with his injury history and large contract, there is very little upside. All you have to do is imagine watching him play for another team in another uniform. I’m no doctor, but you’ll probably feel a stinging sensation in your gut.
2. Ben Simmons | Size: 6’10” 230 lbs. | College: LSU | DOB: 7/20/1996
Note: This is where we start explaining why each ranking is lesser than the one above.
Ben Simmons has a smaller contract, which will certainly be a max deal very soon, and if it wasn’t for Shawn Long, he’d have a pretty clear injury history. Still, Joel Embiid impacts the game more and the Cameroonian would yield a much richer return. You can argue that there are other players in the league like Ben Simmons (Giannis comes to mind), however there is nobody like Embiid.
3. Zhaire Smith | Size: 6’5″ 195 lbs. | College: Texas Tech | DOB: 6/4/1999
We have two sample sizes. Fist, we have his freshman year at Texas Tech. Second, we have the 2018 NBA Summer League. Zhaire Smith’s trade value is quite obviously lower than Simmons, which isn’t even a discussion, but we’ve seen enough and heard enough about this kid to know that his upside, both on offense and defense is large enough to change the game and give Brett Brown a serious weapon. Key word: upside. Trade value is heavily set from upside.
4. Tobias Harris | Size: 6’9″ 235 lbs. | College: Tennessee| DOB: 7/15/1992
Tobias Harris was having a breakout season in Los Angeles for the Clippers and now he’s a Sixer. Compared to Zhaire Smith, Harris is clearly a better player right now and the Sixers believe they can extend Harris, who is an unrestricted free agent this summer, but there is still some level of risk involved. That said, Smith is more of an asset than Tobias. Meanwhile, Smith is under Philadelphia’s control for the foreseeable future.
5. Jimmy Butler | Size: 6’8″ 232 lbs. | College: Marquette| DOB: 9/14/1989
Much like Harris, there is also risk involved with Butler. Some may say there is more risk attached to Jimmy Buckets, mainly due to his reputation (which is mostly overblown). Harris has seven years of NBA experience under his belt and is about three years younger than Butler, which is why I give a slight edge to Toby.
6. 2023 Philadelphia first round draft pick
The Tobias Harris trade showed that the Sixers are ready and willing to trade future assets. They moved their 2020 first, which is lottery protected, and they might not be done making moves. Would I trade this pick for Jimmy Butler? Even with the aforementioned risk, yes.
7. 2022 Philadelphia first round draft pick
When you’re a team that is contending for an NBA championship, future draft picks always hold more value. That said, the 2023 pick holds more value than this pick. Also, the nice thing about future picks is that you have more time to utilize its value.
8. 2021 Philadelphia first round draft pick
See the previous explanation, but replace the years to reflect this pick.
9. 2019 Philadelphia first round draft pick
This will be a late first rounder and there is more value in future assets when you don’t know what the future holds. That said, you’d never trade a late first for an unprotected pick in 2021.
10. 2020 Oklahoma City first round pick (top-20 protected and becomes 2022 and 2023 Oklahoma City second rounders if the pick does not convey)
This is one of three pieces the 76ers acquired in the Markelle Fultz trade with Orlando. The Sixers moved this pick when they acquired the draft rights to Anzejs Pasecniks and now…WELCOME BACK. It has the potential to be a late first rounder (if the Thunder are a top team in the West in 2019-20), or it could become two second rounders, which is decent value. I give the Sixers’ 2019 first the slight edge, being that it’s guaranteed to be a first rounder.
11. Jonah Bolden | Size: 6’10” 220 lbs. | College: UCLA | DOB: 1/2/1996
This is enjoyable to type. Jonah Bolden has looked great in his new role as starting power forward next to Joel Embiid, but he obviously still has a long way to go in his development (which is a good thing. He can and will get better). Would I trade him for the Oklahoma City protected 2020 first? Yes. Could this change in the future? Absolutely.
12. JJ Redick | Size: 6’4″ 200 lbs. | College: Duke | DOB: 6/24/1984
This ranking has nothing to do with production and everything to do with age. Also, these value rankings are not based off of how the Sixers value their players, but how they may be valued around the league. Would teams offer more for Redick than for Bolden? Probably. Will it happen? No. Long-term, Bolden holds more value due to his expected longevity in the league.
13. 2019 Second round pick from Cleveland/Orlando/Hoston (more favorable)
This will most likely end up being the Cleveland Cavaliers 2019 second rounder, which is close to being just as valuable as a late first. They acquired this pick in the Markelle Fultz trade from Orlando. Because of his current impact to the team, I wouldn’t trade this pick for JJ Redick.
14. 2019 Chicago second round draft pick.
This is an extremely underrated asset that the Sixers have in their back pocket which isn’t talked about much. The Bulls are struggling this season, which elevated the value of Chicago’s 2019 second-round pick to that of a late first with a lower salary hit. Being that Chicago acquired Otto Porter at the deadline, I give the “Cavaliers second” the slight edge.
15. Jonathon Simmons | Size: 6’6″ 195 lbs. | College: Houston | DOB: 9/14/1989
The best part of Jonathon Simmons, as an asset, is his cheap, partially guaranteed contract in the 2019-20 season. The Sixers acquired Jonathon Simmons from Orlando in the Markelle Fultz trade. Simmons should have an impact on Philly and their depth, but I value the idea of a high second rounder a bit more.
16. TJ McConnell | Size: 6’2″ 200 lbs. | College: Arizona | DOB: 3/25/1992
It was rumored that the Sixers were offered a first-round pick for TJ and they declined it. The team believes in McConnell and we’ll see how strong that bond is come free agency season. That all being said, I would have taken that trade if I’m the Sixers if it was in fact offered; not because of McConnell, but because of the amount he may be paid in free agency. I value the fact that Jonathon Simmons is under contract for such a small amount next year, while McConnell is not, which is why I ranked TJ lower.
17. Boban Marjanovic | Size: 7’3″ 290 lbs. | From: Serbia | DOB: 8/15/1988
Boban’s contract is expiring at the end of this season and some dismiss the possibility of him returning to the Sixers next year, but don’t underestimate the power of friendship. If Tobias Harris remains in Philadelphia, Boban could stay as well. They have been teammates in Detroit, Los Angeles (Clippers), and now Philadelphia. Trust the friendship. I prefer TJ McConnell over Boban still, but can’t we have both?!
18. Mike Scott | Size: 6’8″ 237 lbs. | College: Virginia | DOB: 7/16/1988
A lot like Boban, who was also involved in the Tobias Harris trade, Mike Scott is expiring and may not be back with the team next season, which impacts his trade value. It is yet to be determined what type of value Scott will be to Philadelphia, but if it’s anything like his nickname, “The Threegional Manager”, then the Sixers are in luck. I give a slight edge to Boban mainly because of how beautiful Boban is.
19. James Ennis | Size: 6’7″ 210 lbs. | College: CSULB | DOB: 7/1/1990
James Ennis was acquired by the 76ers for 2021 second round swap rights on 2019 trade deadline day. The Sixers lacked depth and his value will be seen on nights when starters rest for whatever reason. I give the slight edge to Mike Scott, but it’s virtually a tie.Â
20. Shake Milton | Size: 6’6″ 205 lbs. | College: SMU | DOB: 9/26/1996
Shake has shown some promise in the NBA and that he is capable of knocking down the three. His future will be determined by how well he’ll be able to hang on the defensive end, but if he can continue to develop a shot, he will have a place in this league. However, it’s just too soon to value him more than a proven NBA veteran like Mike Scott.
21. 2019 second round draft pick from Milwaukee/Sacramento (more favorable)
Here’s another solid pick in the second round, which will most likely end up in the high 30’s or low 40’s, assuming it ends up being Sacramento’s. Would I pay this pick for the services of Malachi Richardson? It’s very close. Being that Richardson is someone we’ve seen flashes of in the G League, I went the safer route and chose Malachi.
22. 2022 Philadelphia second round draft pick (right to swap with Denver)
Pick swap! The optionality of being able to choose one of two picks in the 2022 second round is fun, but it’s probably not as fun as the idea of making a pick in the early-to-middle second round in 2019. I don’t expect Philadelphia or Denver to be bad in 2021-22, but things change.
23. 2020 second round draft pick from Brooklyn or New York (more favorable)
That aforementioned pick swap is a more entertaining asset than this pick, being that so much can happen in any off-season, however that is not a reason to belittle the value of this pick. Its upside is that of a pick in the low-to-mid 30’s. We have to wait and see what New York does this offseason.
24. Furkan Korkmaz | Size: 6’7″ 185 lbs. | From: Turkey | DOB: 7/24/1997
We declined his option, in case you have not heard me or anyone say that yet, so he’s an unrestricted free agent this summer. Therefore, give me the shot at that second-round prospect in 2020. That’s a trade I’d make if I’m the Sixers, however they currently need Korkmaz’s production for reasons related to having very little depth.
25. 2021 second round draft pick from New York
If this was a 2019 second round pick, it’d be a different story. Keep in mind that this is New York and in the blink of an eye, a swarm of high-level free agents could head there this season or next. They’re not tied down to Carmelo anymore. Having to wait until 2021 is a risk that I value less than the production and possible retention of Korkmaz.
26. 2020 second round draft pick from Dallas
On the flip side, New York could bomb in free agency again and that pick could be a solid asset, which is why it’s ranked higher than Dallas’ 2020 second. The development of Luka Doncic as well as the idea of surrounding him with talent leads me to believe that this pick’s upside isn’t as high as it once would have been.
27. Justin Patton | Size: 7’0″ 241 lbs. | College: Creighton| DOB: 6/14/1997
This is such a large wildcard. Justin Patton is either going to be here next year, or he’s not going to be here. Bold statement, right? However, if he stays here, signs with Philly, and impresses, his value could skyrocket. The kid has talent. Right now, he’s an unknown, which is why I value Dallas’ second more (which is me contradicting myself, being that the second is also an unknown).
28. 2023 Philadelphia second round draft pick
Who the heck knows what the Sixers will look like in 2022-23, which is half the fun of having future draft picks. Also, who the heck knows what is going to happen with Justin Patton. Due to his upside, I’d take Patton over this pick, even with the injury history.
29. Anzejs Pasecniks | Size: 7’1″ 220 lbs. | From: Latvia | DOB: 12/20/1995
Here is another wildcard. We have no clue what to expect when it comes to the first-round pick who may never come over, selected by former General Manager Bryan Colangelo. The idea of him playing here and not being bad is enough to rank him, but I’d rather have that 2023 second. Not much more to say about that.
30. 2022 second round draft pick from Toronto
The Raptors are a very solid team and will most likely be competing for a high seed in the east for as long as they have their core in place, but there will always be questions about Kawhi. If he leaves Toronto, along with an aging Kyle Lowry, this pick could end up being a decent second. I think we still need to see what happens with Anzejs first.
31. 2021 Philadelphia second round draft pick
Unlike the 2023 Philadelphia second rounder, we we have less time to utilize the value of this pick. I would rather bet on Toronto going through a rebuilding phase than keep this selection.
32. 2021 second round draft pick from Denver
As I said, Detroit is fine with being a middle-of-the-pack team, but Denver looks to be on the upswing, which makes this pick unattractive. Of course, anything can happen in the NBA Draft, but it should be clear that a Detroit second is better than one belonging to the Nuggets.
33. Haywood Highsmith| Size: 6’7″ 220 lbs. | College: Wheeling Jesuit | DOB: 12/9/1996
Highsmith has been a great surprise for the Delaware Blue Coats, and he even scored his first points for the 76ers a couple of weeks ago. The ceiling of Highsmith is a mystery. I’m not sure we can evaluate him yet, and if the Sixers could get the 2021 Denver second round pick for him, you’d think they’d have to do it.
34. 2020 Philadelphia second round draft pick
The closer we get to the current year, the less valuable the Sixers’ seconds get. There’s no reason the team should win less than 50 games, which makes this a pick in the 50’s. Haywood Highsmith is about the value you’d expect to receive in the late second round and I value continuity.
35. 2019 Philadelphia second round draft pick
This is basically the same thing I just said, with regards to the “closer we get” part. The 2020 2nd at least has some uncertainty, being that things happen, but this one seems to be quite surely a pick in the 50’s.
36. Amir Johnson | Size: 6’9″ 240 lbs. | From: Westchester High (CA) | DOB: 5/1/1987
Unfortunately, Amir has been unplayable, but I love the guy. His athletic days are behind him and every minute he’s on the court is one less minute for Jonah Bolden (!). This said, I’d move him for a late second rounder.
37. Vasilije Micic | Size: 6’5″ 200 lbs. | From: Serbia | DOB: 1/13/1994
There’s a solid chance we will never see Micic in a Sixers uniform and we currently see Amir Johnson in one, mostly on the bench. I guess that makes Johnson more valuable?
38. Mathias Lessort | Size: 6’9″ 240 lbs. | Born: France | DOB: 9/29/1995
Micic has some quality highlights, so I think he is better than Lessort, who is the other guy that will probably never play a regular season game with the 76ers.
39. Emir Preldzic | Size: 6’9″ 220 lbs. | Born: Bosnia and Herzegovina | DOB: 9/6/1987
Preldzic was acquired in the Malachi Richardson trade, along with the 2022 Toronto second rounder. He was selected 57th in the 2009 NBA Draft and is the oldest of the Sixers stashes, so he is ranked accordingly.
