The clock is ticking for the Philadelphia 76ers who are seeking a team interested in a trade package for veteran Danny Green and the #23 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. The Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and San Antonio Spurs were all mentioned as possible trade partners.
Green, who turns 35 this week, suffered a serious knee injury during Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals when he blew out his ACL and LCL. He underwent surgery and is expected to miss all of next year’s regular season.
Green won three championships with three different teams during his 13-season career. He won a title with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014. He also won a title with the Toronto Raptors in 2019, and once again in 2020 when he joined the Los Angeles Lakers.
Green has an unguaranteed contract worth $10.2 million, which has tremendous value for teams looking to get under the salary cap or tax exemption. If the 76ers, or any other team, don’t waive him before July 1, then they’re on the hook for a guaranteed contract.
Joel Embiid should have won the MVP this season, but finished a close runner-up. Despite a stellar season, Embiid battled injuries in the postseason while James Harden was a non-factor as the 76ers were knocked out in the second round by the Miami Heat.
Rough year in Philly
The Cleveland Cavaliers drafted Green — a 6-foot-6 wingman from North Carolina — with a late second-round pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. He rode the bench during his rookie season with the Cavs before he got waived. The San Antonio Spurs picked up Green, and he spent eight seasons with them, becoming a starter midway through the 2011-12 season. He won a title with Pops and the Spurs in 2014.
Green was once considered an ideal 3-and-D player with a wicked jump shot — as nearly a career 40% shooter — and a former All-NBA Defensive player who can shut down opponents at multiple positions. The 76ers hoped Green could provide them consistent 3-point shooting and defense as a wing player.
Green struggled to find his footing last season in Philly. In 62 games — including 28 starts — he averaged 5.9 ppg, for his worst scoring average since his second season in the league. Green found his role even tougher after the team acquired Harden in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets. In 12 playoff starts this season, Green averaged 8.6 ppg while shooting 40.4% from 3-point range before blowing out his knee against the Miami Heat in the conference semifinals.
The 76ers will also listen to any teams for a potential trade involving Tobias Harris, Matisse Thybulle, and Shake Milton. So, pretty much everyone except Joel Embiid and James Harden is on the trading block.
The 76ers are +1500 odds to win the 2023 NBA Championship, and they’re +700 odds to win the Eastern Conference next season.
Check out more NBA trade rumors.
