The Philadelphia 76ers seem to be undergoing some subtle but major changes. Since signing Jerry Colangelo as chairman of basketball operations, the team has also signed Mike D’Antoni as associate head coach and spoken to veterans about possibly joining the team. Now, according to Marc Spears of Yahoo, they could be looking for another addition in Pelicans’ point guard Ish Smith.
The Sixers are acquiring guard Ish Smith from the Pelicans for two future second round picks, a source told Yahoo Sports.
— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) December 24, 2015
This could be a very interesting trade for both teams if it goes through. The Sixers have been in dire need of a point guard or at least someone capable of creating plays for others. It is somewhat strange. however, that they are looking for this change now that they have both Kendall Marshall and Tony Wroten back from injury. Nevertheless, adding one of the season’s best playmakers cannot hurt.
The Pelicans, meanwhile, have been sorely disappointing this season, partially due to a multitude of injuries to start the year. Adding young assets or draft picks may be a premium option in New Orleans as they may decide to tear the team mostly apart to rebuild around star power forward Anthony Davis. Smith has surprisingly become a somewhat coveted asset after starting the season strong in place of Jrue Holiday and Norris Cole so the Pelicans can get some valuable assets back for him, reportedly in the form of two draft picks.
