By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly Staff 
Just this past weekend, it seemed possible that the Philadelphia 76ers could land LeBron James and/or Kawhi Leonard. After James announced he was joining the Lakers on Sunday, it is likely only a matter of time before Kawhi joins him there, whether it is this year via trade or next summer in free agency. With the Sixers now in a position where they need to start finding veteran depth and pieces to contribute next season beyond their young, talented core, they are reportedly considering using 2017 draft-and-stash prospect Jonah Bolden in a trade, according to international basketball reporter, David Pick.
Source: Philadelphia are entertaining the idea of using stash Jonah Bolden as a trade asset. Lots of interest from other NBA teams, there’s a standard NBA buyout to free him of his $400,000 deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv.
— David Pick (@IAmDPick) July 2, 2018
It was, and still is, widely believed that Bolden will come to the NBA this season after spending the 2017-18 campaign in Israel for Maccabi Tel Aviv. Bolden averaged 7.6 points and 6.6 rebounds in Israeli League competition and 6.9 points, 5.5 rebounds in Euroleague action. A recent video of Bolden working out was released on June 28, showcasing his athletisim and range from beyond the arc.
Not sure how much Jonah Bolden will contribute right away, if at all, but a THIRD 6-10 young guy who can do everything is a really good thing for the #sixers pic.twitter.com/5W7yuJMjUB
— Andrew Porter (@And_Porter) June 28, 2018
Bolden’s buy-out would be the standard $400,000, which would not be an issue for the Sixers or really any other team interested in acquiring him for this upcoming season. It is worth noting though that back in March, David Pick told Sports Talk Philly that Bolden’s overseas club is hoping to hold onto him for the 2018-19 season.
Maccabi is telling the Sixers that 2018-19 in the EuroLeague can be huge for Jonah. He’d know the game, the league, the rivals better and have a better understanding of what it takes to win at a high level.
If he is stashed again, 19-20 will be huge for Philadelphia.
Now that LeBron James is out of the question, Paul George has returned to Oklahoma City and Kawhi Leonard is probably a one-year rental for any team not named the Lakers, the Sixers shouldn’t hold back in trading Bolden if it means acquiring a shooter that can fill out their depth. Although Bolden has potential to be a solid NBA player, it is important that Philadelphia focuses on what they need most, and that’s offensive weapons with jump shots.
