The 2024–25 NBA season has been far from smooth sailing for the Philadelphia 76ers. Currently sitting in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, the Sixers find themselves two games out of the final play-in spot. While their postseason hopes hang in the balance, there’s still a path to redemption. With the February 6 trade deadline looming, Daryl Morey may need to pull off one of his trademark in-season moves to inject life into the team.
Power forward: A glaring need for the Sixers
One area that’s desperately in need of reinforcement is the power forward position. While Guerschon Yabusele has exceeded expectations in his NBA return, the Sixers lack depth and consistency at the spot. If Morey is serious about salvaging the season, upgrading this position could be key.
In a recent Bleacher Report analysis of dream trade targets for each NBA team, the Sixers were linked to Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama. The 6-foot-11 forward is in the midst of a breakout season, averaging 13.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and shooting an impressive 39.2% from beyond the arc on solid volume.
Why Santi Aldama is a perfect fit for Philly
Aldama’s profile as a player checks all the boxes for the Sixers. His size and versatility would bring much-needed support to the frontcourt. More importantly, his efficient outside shooting would provide an ideal complement to Philly’s stars, including Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Tobias Harris.
At just 23 years old, Aldama has room to grow and could become a long-term piece for the franchise. His ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions aligns perfectly with the modern NBA’s demands.
The cost of acquiring Aldama
While Aldama is still on a team-friendly deal, he’s set to hit restricted free agency this offseason, where he’s likely to draw significant interest. Memphis, sitting firmly in the Western Conference playoff picture, may be reluctant to part ways with a player who’s become an integral part of their rotation.
To land Aldama, the Sixers would likely need to offer a package including draft capital, young assets, or both. The question becomes whether Philly is willing to mortgage future flexibility for a shot at immediate improvement.
Should the Sixers go all in?
Given their precarious position, the Sixers have little room for error. While this season has been disappointing, the gap between them and the postseason is small enough to justify a calculated risk. Aldama’s skill set aligns with the team’s needs, and his addition could provide the spark they need to push into the play-in tournament.
Daryl Morey has never been one to shy away from bold moves, and this is the kind of acquisition that could pay dividends not just for this season but for years to come. However, prying Aldama away from Memphis won’t be easy and will require some creative negotiating.
The road ahead
With just weeks to go before the trade deadline, all eyes are on Morey and the Sixers’ front office. Whether it’s Aldama or another move, the team must act decisively to ensure their season doesn’t slip away. For now, Philadelphia fans can only hope that reinforcements are on the way to keep their playoff aspirations alive.
