The Philadelphia 76ers have arguably been the biggest winners of free agency so far with their signing spree instantly catapulting them into the league’s elite contender tier. While the job isn’t done yet, even at this point, any rational mind would hail the franchise as a success story this offseason.
As you know, though, their recent success can be a little alienating, especially since last season was plagued by questions from all sides. One move in particular was a huge mistake, and a rumored trade near its final touches is an admission that the 76ers did indeed make a miscalculation.
According to the latest news on the free agent market, the Warriors are finalizing a sign-and-trade deal that would see them sign Buddy Hield from the 76ers. Philadelphia has not been reported to be interested in bringing back the veteran sharpshooter, and it appears that Golden State is considering him as a replacement for Klay Thompson, who has already left the franchise.
Given his declining performance last season, especially in the playoffs, there was a realistic chance the 76ers could re-sign Hield at a relative discount. However, that has been far from reality, with management even facilitating his exit and foray into the Western Conference.
Philadelphia traded a total of three second-round picks to get Hield at the trade deadline in a three-team deal with Indiana and San Antonio, and it’s safe to say the move didn’t work out the way it hoped. It was certainly a short-sighted decision, albeit an intentional one, but the fact that the team had to let all those assets go proved to be a mistake.
Hield became unplayable when it mattered most, and the 76ers basically realized they had traded for a player who had played well only before the All-Star break. Fortunately, this has become one of the driving forces behind management avoiding one-dimensional players this summer while building a legitimate title contender.
So far, the trade hasn’t been finalized yet, as Hield still needs to come to a full agreement with the Warriors on his contract. But either way, the 76ers are now fully prepared to admit that signing him was a mistake.
Next. Minimum. 5 veteran free agents the 76ers should sign to a minimum contract.
