NBA Trade Rumors: Sixers could target this as their back-up centers!

 

The market for reliable backup centers across the NBA remains notoriously tight. High-end reserve big men command serious money—a reality reflected in the San Antonio Spurs committing a multi-year deal worth $41 million to secure veteran Luke Kornet as frontline insurance.

Because premier frontcourt options are scarce and expensive, championship contenders often assemble their secondary frontcourts by combining low-cost, complementary pieces with contrasting skill sets.

The Philadelphia 76ers attempted this exact approach during the offseason by adding Ariel Hukporti. However, Philadelphia's insurance plans suffered a major setback during their preseason opener when Hukporti ruptured his right Achilles tendon—ending his 2026–27 campaign before it truly began.

With Hukporti out, Philadelphia enters the 2026–27 regular season with sophomore big man Adem Bona as their primary reserve center, supplemented by small-ball frontcourt looks.

While downsizing might work in brief stretches when Joel Embiid is healthy, navigating extended absences without a physical, true center is a dangerous proposition.

Daryl Morey and the Sixers' front office will likely need to bring in reinforcement before the February trade deadline. Fortunately, two affordable targets in an otherwise quiet trade market fit Philadelphia's financial and tactical requirements.

Option 1: Jericho Sims (Milwaukee Bucks)

Jericho Sims could find himself on the outside looking in regarding Milwaukee's frontcourt rotation. Following the Bucks' blockbuster offseason acquisition of Kel'el Ware from Miami alongside veterans Myles Turner and Ousmane Dieng, minutes at center are crowded.

At 27 years old, Sims brings explosive athleticism, vertical rim-running, and glass-cleaning energy. His physical profile allows him to switch onto perimeter guards in high pick-and-roll coverage, and he has flashed secondary passing instincts out of short-roll sets.

While Sims offers zero perimeter shooting and struggles with foul trouble, his $2.8 million expiring contract fits neatly into Philadelphia's tight cap structure. Armed with 10 future second-round picks and four sub-$3 million contracts, the 76ers could easily structure an attractive trade package for Milwaukee.

Option 2: Micah Potter (Portland Trail Blazers)

If Philadelphia seeks perimeter spacing rather than interior athleticism, Micah Potter represents a intriguing low-cost option. Claimed off waivers by the Portland Trail Blazers on July 10 after being waived by Indiana, Potter sits behind a crowded Portland frontcourt featuring Donovan Clingan, Robert Williams III, Branden Carlson, and Yang Hansen.

The 28-year-old big man gives secondary units a legit pick-and-pop threat, shooting a high-efficiency 42.3% from deep on 3.6 attempts per game last season. While Potter lacks the physical length or lateral quickness to serve as an elite rim-protector, his perimeter shooting would keep the floor spaced when Tyrese Maxey attacks the lane.

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