By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly editor
If there's one thing this young Philadelphia 76ers team needs is more depth. Even with a full roster that includes a healthy JJ Redick, Jerryd Bayless and Markelle Fultz, if the organization wants to compete for a championship eventually, they'll need to move on from guys like Justin Anderson and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot. It looks like Bryan Colangelo and the front office is already seeking ways to improve the playoff-hopeful Sixers, reportedly showing interest in Grizzlies veteran guard Tyreke Evans.
The Sixers have expressed trade interest in Tyreke Evans, according to league sources, but Memphis continues to seek a first-round pick in an Evans deal and Philly is naturally reluctant to surrender it
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 31, 2018
It's no surprise that the Sixers are not willing, at this time, to give up a first-round pick. They hold their first round picks for the next couple of years, but are also waiting to see whether they'll have to surrender the Lakers' first-rounder in 2018, Sacramento first-rounder in 2019 or their own pick in 2019 to the Celtics after trading up to get Markelle Fultz prior to the 2017 draft. With Fultz's status still up in the air, a first-round pick would be a lot to give.
With Tyreke Evans signed just through this season, it's a bit of a risk to make a deal involving a first-round pick for a guy that could very well leave. It's worth mentioning that Evans is a native of Chester, PA, though and is in the midst of one of the best years of his career. In 46 games for the 18-31 Grizzlies this season, Evans is averaging 19.5 points (highest since rookie year 2009-10), five assists and five rebounds, shooting 45.8 percent from the floor (highest since 2012-13) and 39.2 percent from beyond the arc. His contract is for $3.3 million this season.
It will be interesting to see if Colangelo continues to explore a deal with the Grizzlies and how a package could be put together that includes a TLC or Richaun Holmes type player.