Last season, the Sixers made some surprising deals at the trade deadline, most notably sending PG Michael Carter-Williams to the Bucks in a three-team deal that also involved the Suns. In exchange, the Sixers got the Lakers top-5 protected pick, which is top-three protected this season. Philadelphia also traded rookie K.J. McDaniels to Houston for Isaiah Canaan and a second rounder. After parting ways with MCW, the Sixers lost eight of their next nine before picking up Ish Smith, but even then, they ended the season losing 10 straight games.
With the trade deadline starting to loom on February 18th, the front office could have some more surprises up their sleeves to acquire some more draft picks. Brett Brown has liked the way his team has played recently, but can't say anything for sure about possible moves after last years' deadline deals. Brown emphasizes his preference for stability and balance, but who knows what management will brew up before the 18th.
"I'm not confident to say anything, truly," said Brown, when asked if he thought parts wouldn't be moving as much this season. "That's not because I don't know. It's not because I'm afraid of it. It's because I truly feel like we're all going to step back. From Day 1, it's been very, very collaborative. I think that as an organization, with Jerry (Colangelo) coming into it, there's another voice. I think that we all recognize wholeheartedly that we're ready to move on. We want to keep moving forward where we're not always in flux. We want some solidarity. We want some balance to what we're doing. I can only offer that. But to stamp off on anything of certainty, I can't do that." [Philly.com Sports]
The Sixers have won five of their last 14 games and have two days to prepare for the NBA best Golden State Warriors, who will visit the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday for a 5pm tip-off.
