Days after losing All-Star center Joel Embiid indefinitely due to a knee injury, the Philadelphia 76ers responded with a small addition at the NBA trade deadline by acquiring Buddy Hield. However, the NBA buyout market could be even more important for the 76ers.

Philadelphia never came close to a blockbuster trade with the assets acquired from the offseason James Haren deal nor did it find an injury replacement for Embiid. However, the 76ers did walk out of Thursday’s deadline with Hield joining the team’s rotation to provide perimeter shooting.

With many NBA contenders limited in their ability to add talent via the buyout market, the 76ers are one of a few playoff-caliber teams who can be active landing one of the top players expected to become available. While several intriguing former All-Stars and key rotational players are likely hitting the buyout market, Philadelphia seems focused on one specific option.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the 76ers are prioritizing Kyle Lowry on the buyout market if he’s able to secure his release from the Charlotte Hornets in the coming days.

Lowry, 37, hasn’t taken the court since being traded to the Charlotte Hornets by the Miami Heat. In 37 games for Miami this season, he started 35 games while averaging 8.2 points and shot 38.5 percent from the perimeter.

Charlotte held Lowry out of its rotation through the NBA trade deadline, hoping one team would express interest in acquiring the former star guard. Now that the trade deadline has passed, Lowry is expected to pursue a buyout with the Hornets. At this time, however, there are no guarantees he and the Hornets agree to a buyout. If they don’t then it’s possible the 76ers could pursue someone like Spencer Dinwiddie.

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Daryl Morey, 76ers Officially Announce 4 Deadline Trades

The 2024 NBA trade deadline is officially over. As many expected, the Philadelphia 76ers were productive in the market, wheeling and dealing all Thursday morning into the afternoon.

By the time the clock struck 3 PM ET, the Sixers had four different deals on the table. Later on Thursday night, Sixers’ President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey made the trades official with announcements.

THE DEAL OF THE DAY

The Sixers kicked things off with a bang, making their most notable deal of the deadline first. Although it was initially reported that the Sixers had little traction going on trade talks with the Indiana Pacers, sleeping on the situation was a good event for Philadelphia.

In what became a three-team deal, the Sixers, Pacers, and the San Antonio Spurs swapped some assets to make something happen for each squad.

The Sixers gave up Furkan Korkmaz, Marcus Morris, a 2024 second-round pick (most favorable of Toronto’s own and (b) most favorable of (i) Indiana’s own and (ii) least favorable of Utah/Cleveland), the Trail Blazers’ 2029 second-round pick, the LA Clippers’ 2029 second-round pick, and cash considerations to both squads.

In return, Philadelphia acquired the veteran sharpshooter Buddy Hield.

Since the 2021-2022 season, Hield has averaged 15 points while knocking down 39 percent of his threes. Not only has he been one of the NBA’s most reliable high-volume three-point shooters, but the Sixers have had notable interest in him several times in the past. This time around, they managed to get a deal done to acquire him.

CUTTING TIES WITH HOUSE

The Sixers hoped the veteran Danuel House would be a stellar addition for eventual playoff runs when they signed the veteran wing two summers ago. After a disappointing first season in Philadelphia, House wanted to run it back, so he picked up his player option for the 2023-2024 season.

Once again, House struggled to have an everyday impact on the roster. Therefore, the Sixers shipped House and a 2024 second-round pick from the New York Knicks, along with cash considerations to the Detroit Pistons. In exchange, the Sixers will receive a 2028 second-round pick from Detroit, which is protected from picks 31-55.

SWAPPING GUARDS

Perhaps the most surprising trade of the day was the move that sent Patrick Beverley packing to the Milwaukee Bucks. With Beverley being one of the Sixers’ notable signings this past offseason, the veteran guard brought an impact off the bench and in the leadership department.

However, the Sixers saw an opportunity to swap him out and land draft compensation.

By sending Beverley to the Bucks, the Sixers acquired the veteran guard Cameron Payne and the Bucks’ 2027 second-round pick. Payne has spent time with the Phoenix Suns, OKC Thunder, Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, and Cleveland Cavaliers. This season, he’s averaging six points and two assists while shooting 40 percent from deep.

DEALING WITH A RIVAL

Another homegrown prospect sees his way out as the Sixers moved on from their former first-round pick, Jaden Springer.

In a deal with the Boston Celtics, the Sixers move on from Springer and acquire a 2024 second-round pick in return. The Sixers will land a selection that’s more favorable from the Chicago Bulls or the New Orleans Pelicans.

Philly hoped to see a significant third-year jump from Springer. As good as his defense is, Springer’s offensive growth made him nothing more than a situational player this season. In 32 games, he averaged 12 minutes on the floor. He picked up nine DNPs throughout the year.

Springer’s ceiling is unknown, but it’s clear the Sixers aren’t willing to gamble with time to figure out whether or not their former first-rounder can carve out a consistent role in the league. Now, it will be up to the Celtics to see if they can get him to reach his potential.