An NBA insider made a bold claim about the Philadelphia 76ers ahead of February's trade deadline.
Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey believes the Sixers will be buyers this trade season, expecting Philly to make a big move.
"Philly might be able to do something pretty splashy by combining the salaries of Kelly Oubre and/or Quentin Grimes with the potential of Jared McCain," Bailey said. "Somehow, the 76ers are going to get a little better before the trade deadline."
Guards Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe have formed one of the better backcourt duos in the league this season. Bailey applauded the way the Sixers have meshed Joel Embiid and Paul George, who have battle injuries, with their young stars.
"They're giving them nice, conservative runways to return from nagging injuries," he said. "The superstar emergence of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe's better-than-expected rookie season help with that."
More: Embiid passes former All-Star in 76ers record books
The Sixers are around $7 million over the luxury tax, which could force GM Darryl Morey to shed salary. But Morey could elect to make a big move to help the team make a jump in the Eastern Conference standings.
"With Maxey doing the heavy lifting and the vets playing a bit more consistently of late, the Sixers might even be a fringe contender. And at this point in Embiid's career, you can't squander opportunities like this."
Philadelphia (21-16) is fifth in the Eastern Conference and has won five of its past seven games. The Sixers lost a 116-115 overtime thriller Sunday to the Toronto Raptors.
More NBA news:
- Bam Adebayo speaks on the Heat’s starting lineup struggles
- NBA legend sounds off on Luka Doncic-Dennis Schroder incident
- Injury updates: Michael Porter Jr., P.J. Washington and more ahead of Nets vs. Mavericks
- Lakers reportedly make their stance clear on trading Austin Reaves before deadline
- Pelicans make decision on trading Zion Williamson this season