The Philadelphia 76ers’ disappointing season may prompt them to move some of their veteran players before the trade deadline. Currently sitting at 19-28 and 11th in the Eastern Conference, the team has struggled with injuries, derailing hopes for progress this year.
Caleb Martin Drawing Significant Trade Interest
Forward Caleb Martin, one of Philadelphia’s recent veteran additions, is attracting considerable attention on the trade market. According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the 76ers have received numerous inquiries from contending teams about Martin’s availability.
“Several contenders have reached out to check on Martin’s status. He signed a four-year, $35 million contract with the Sixers this past summer and has been a reliable 3-and-D wing in the rotation for the past four seasons,” Scotto reported.
In addition to Martin, teams are also expressing interest in Guerschon Yabusele, Andre Drummond, and Kelly Oubre Jr. However, Martin’s versatility makes him a standout among this group, potentially offering a significant impact for playoff-bound teams.
In his first season with the 76ers, Martin is averaging 9.1 points and 4.4 rebounds over 31 games. Before joining Philadelphia, he spent three seasons with the Miami Heat, where he had a breakout stretch, posting 9.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game after limited playing time during his first two NBA seasons with the Charlotte Hornets.
Karl-Anthony Towns has been outstanding for New York this season. In the midst of a career-best performance, the former Kentucky star boosted his MVP chances with an impressive defensive effort against Nikola Jokic in their recent matchup. Towns played a key role in limiting the reigning MVP—currently ranked No. 2 in the MVP race—to just 17 points, six rebounds, and six assists on 40% shooting. This was a significant drop from Jokic’s season averages of 29.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.1 assists.
High-profile head-to-head battles often carry considerable weight in MVP discussions, and Towns’ 122-112 victory over Jokic’s Nuggets, coupled with his defensive dominance, puts him in a strong position to break into the top three of the MVP rankings with a few more standout performances in upcoming games.
Knicks’ Brunson now in MVP hunt seasonfor 2nd straight
Dwight Powell’s impact has helped solidify Jalen Brunson’s spot in the MVP top 10. The Villanova standout is having an exceptional season, averaging 25.9 points and 7.5 assists per game despite sharing the spotlight with more offensive options in New York. Remarkably, Brunson is the first player in NBA history to average at least 25 points and seven assists while committing fewer than 2.5 turnovers per game, currently sitting at just 2.3 turnovers.
Offensively, Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns are producing at a similar level, but Towns has emerged as a more dominant force overall this season. Still, Brunson’s top-five MVP finish last year shows he’s more than capable of staying in the mix. Both players remain strong contenders for the league’s most prestigious individual award as they aim to maintain their stellar play and guide the Knicks toward a deep playoff run.
