Mock trade has Sixers moving Tobias Harris to Nets for Kyrie Irving
The Philadelphia 76ers are in the process of improving their roster and continuing to grow as a team before the 2022-23 season begins. They have a solid roster led by their star duo of Joel Embiid and James Harden, but are looking for more.
One name that has popped up has been Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving, who is looking to get out of New York. The Nets are juggling Irving’s situation, and the Kevin Durant trade request.
The Sixers have been mentioned as a possible suitor for Irving by The Athletic and The Stadium’s Shams Charania. A trade for Irving is unlikely. The Sixers have other needs to address and Irving is unreliable, but it’s fun to look at some mock trades.
This one comes from NBA Analysis Network and it has the Sixers acquiring Irving for a deal centered on Tobias Harris.
The fake trade proposal
Brooklyn Nets Receive: F Tobias Harris, G/F Matisse Thybulle, 2029 first-round pick (PHI)
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G Kyrie Irving
NBA Analysis Network on why the Sixers do the deal
This deal once again has the Nets landing two quality players in exchange for Irving. In this case, they’re also receiving a first-round pick from the Philadelphia 76ers. Realistically, this is a higher ceiling, lower floor deal for Brooklyn. We say that largely because it includes the 25-year-old Thybulle.
Thybulle has shown with the Philadelphia 76ers that he’s one of the best defensive players in the NBA already, but his offense leaves much to be desired. Let’s be honest: Thybulle will never be an off-the-dribble shot creator.
Still, if Thybulle could just improve his 3-point efficiency, that would go a long way toward making him a high-end starter. If he did, this could be the best value the Nets could hope to receive for Irving.
Analyzing the deal from a Sixers standpoint
Irving is obviously a terrific talent. Arguably, he is a top 10-to-15 player based on talent alone. He averaged 27.4 points and 5.8 assists while shooting 46.9% from the floor and 41.8% from deep in 29 games in the 2021-22 season, but that right there is the issue with him. He is not a reliable player in terms of availability, and it wouldn’t be the greatest move for Philadelphia if it acquired him.
On top of that, the guy can be a headache off the floor. He has played in 103 games across three seasons with the Nets, and it always seems like something is going on around him. Again, an amazing player and a joy to watch, but the availability issues can prove to be too much at times.
