Reports about which teams were unable to acquire specific players are beginning to surface now that the trade deadline of February 8 has passed. Before the Chicago Bulls abruptly withdrew, the Philadelphia 76ers were allegedly just hours away from signing former All-NBA big Andre Drummond.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, “League sources told HoopsHype that the 76ers believed they had a trade completed to acquire Bulls center Andre Drummond before Chicago pulled out of talks hours before the deadline.” League sources stated that the Bulls desired three second-round picks in exchange for Drummond.
Scotto continued, writing, “Drummond drew trade offers from the Celtics and Mavericks before both organizations went in other directions. He was also regarded as Chicago’s top trade candidate ahead of the deadline.”
Currently ranking 26-29 and in ninth place in the Eastern Conference, Drummond leads the Bulls with an average of 10.3 points and 9.9 rebounds per game this season.
The 76ers were not simply pursuing Drummond as a player. In an effort to sign LeBron James, 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey reportedly called Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, according to a report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne.
In the end, Morrey was informed right away that James was unavailable, thus there was never a real discussion about a trade.
Additionally, reports stated that Morey “called the Phoenix Suns and inquired about a trade for Durant prior to the deadline.” After being told no, Morey enquired as to Bradley Beal’s and Devin Booker’s availability as well. Naturally, those were rejected as well, according to insiders.
The Indiana Pacers traded for Buddy Hield, who the 76ers were able to obtain despite losing out on a number of players.
For the 76ers, the trade has already paid off as Hield has averaging 22.3 points, 4 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game since being acquired. In addition, he is making 10 shots a game at a scorching 45% three-point range. Only Steph Curry has a greater three-point percentage on volume during that time that is either higher or equal to Hield’s.