NBA Draft Rumors: Sixers May Have Hinted Desire to Trade with Phoenix Suns
Philadelphia Sixers has recently made waves ahead of the NBA draft when franchise exec Marc Eversley, the Vice President of Player Personnel, said that the team is expressing interest in Kentucky guard Jamal Murray as a potential draftee for the No. 1 overall pick. The statement, however, is leading some analysts to believe that the Eversley is simply dropping hints of a looming trade with the Phoenix Suns.
"Jamal Murray, we certainly got a chance to see him a couple of weeks ago," Eversley said as quoted in an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer. "He's certainly going to be one of those kids who's going to be in contention for the No. 1 pick. We like him a lot. He's going to bring a lot to wherever he goes in the NBA, certainly a talent."
But as pointed out by some observers, Eversley's comment on Murray is purportedly intended to trigger interest among NBA teams of a potential draft deal. After landing at the overall top pick during the lottery, the Sixers are in a position to strike a reasonable deal with another team who are gunning for either Simmons or Ingram.
"If Philadelphia is set on Simmons or Ingram in the top spot, is there any reason for the Sixers to suggest another player could be the top overall draft pick?...Is this an indicator that Philly could be interested in dealing with the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, or Minnesota Timberwolves to obtain a pair of top five selections?" wrote Keith M. Scheessele of SB Nation.
The comment doesn't account for anything official yet although it could be a coded statement for what's to come when NBA goes to offseason. Anyway, NBA teams are expected not to lay down their cards entirely at this time of the year nor spill the beans before a deal is reached and inked. Currently, Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram are two of the draft's most sought-after picks. Choosing Murray over Simmons or Ingram will be a stunning decision since most teams are dying to get either players signed in to their roster.
Meanwhile, recent rumors churned out from the rumor mill suggest the possibility of Philadelphia dealing their skilled big man Jahlil Okafor with Phoenix Suns. Of course, the Sixers will exact a high price for letting go a prized asset. As part of a rumored trade, the Suns could trade Brandon Knight along with draft picks to get Okafor playing for them. Phoenix could then proceed on building a power trio composed of Eric Bledsoe, Devin Booker, and Okafor, the Inquistr reported.
