This trade between the 76ers and Grizzlies would ruin the Knicks and terrify the Celtics

The Philadelphia 76ers’ offseason couldn’t have gone much better. Daryl Morey spent all of last season trying to set the table for Paul George, then he actually pulled it off. In addition to George, Philadelphia was able to add several quality rotation pieces (Caleb Martin, Eric Gordon, Andre Drummond) while retaining key contributors from last season’s supporting cast (Kelly Oubre Jr., Kyle Lowry, etc.).

After starting the offseason with more than $60 million in cap space, the Sixers used virtually everything — and then handed out max extensions to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey for good measure. Philadelphia finally appears to have some semblance of stability on the roster front. This three-headed core of Embiid, George and Maxey is under contract for at least four years. The supporting cast will inevitably change and expand, but the general structure of this team shouldn’t change for a while.

The Sixers are certainly confident with the current roster, but Morey is never one to rest on his laurels. When the right opportunity presents itself to improve the roster, expect Morey to pull the trigger. He appears to have full authorization to raise the luxury tax and create a winner. Armed with a few draft picks after the James Harden trade and a few moving salaries, we can’t rule out the possibility of a crucial midseason trade for the Sixers.

A popular name in the rumor mill these days is Marcus Smart. Of course the Sixers should be interested.

Memphis could look for draft compensation to balance the scales a bit, but the Sixers are sacrificing their legitimate depth to get this trade over the finish line. However, it should be worth it, especially if it keeps Smart away from a division rival.

The New York Knicks have rumored interest in Smart. This pairing would accelerate the Sixers’ difficult path to the championship. Aside from Philadelphia, no team has been more productive this summer than the Knicks, who traded for Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges and also extended both Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby. Add Smart to Tom Thibodeau’s hard-nosed squad and the Knicks suddenly don’t have too many holes worth playing.

Add Smart to the Sixers and Philadelphia suddenly appears to be one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference. An injury saw him spend most of last season in street clothes, but Smart is a recent DPOY winner as a point guard – a rare feat that highlights how special Smart’s on-ball defense is. He can easily switch between four or five positions, which is unusual for 6-foot-2 guards. Smart’s versatility is unmatched on most teams, and especially in Philadelphia. The Sixers have struggled to contain dribble penetration for years, which has made Embiid’s life significantly more difficult on defense. Smart can use his activity to corral ballplayers, suppress drives and create turnover opportunities.

The offense isn’t bad either. Smart still isn’t the most reliable 3-point shooter, but it’s an area where he’s improved tremendously. The same applies to the game structure. When Boston traded him, Smart was a true point guard, easily setting up the offense and manipulating the defense with his handle. He wouldn’t have to deal with as much in Philadelphia, but Smart can take some of the table-setting responsibility off Maxey while also giving the Sixers another dribble-pass-shoot threat to keep the defense busy.

Losing Oubre hurts, but Smart’s skill set is far better suited to the Sixers’ current needs. KJ Martin sat at the bottom of the bench last season. Andre Drummond is the reliable backup center Philadelphia has long been missing, but the Sixers have to give something to get something. Newcomer Adem Bona or small big man Guerschon Yabusele can hold down the fort behind Embiid.

Memphis, on the other hand, provides plenty of depth – at least two rotation wheels – and possibly a draft pick or two to sweeten the pot. Oubre, in particular, would be useful for a team that has struggled to field a reliable wing rotation in recent years.