76ers Eyeing Bulls Big Man at NBA Trade Deadline With Joel Embiid Out, per Report

The Sixers need frontcourt help to fill in for their star center.

The Philadelphia 76ers are pursuing a veteran big man to fill in for Joel Embiid on the eve of the NBA trade deadline. Chicago Bulls center Andre Drummond is the player they’re currently targeting, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. 

Drummond, 30, is averaging 7.9 points, 8.5 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in 51 games for the Bulls. Those numbers obviously don’t match Embiid’s production—35.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.8 blocks—but the Sixers won’t be able to replace that MVP-level performance with any trade acquisition. 

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The 6’ 11” center is in his 12th NBA season.

Andre Drummond is in his 12th NBA season / Photo Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

With Zach LaVine undergoing season-ending surgery and the Bulls not interested in trading Alex Caruso, Drummond and guard DeMar DeRozan are the most likely players for Chicago to trade. But with the team in contention for a play-in spot, the Bulls’ front office might not want to break apart the roster. 

However, the Sixers aren’t the only team pursuing Drummond. According to Stein, the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks are also showing interest in acquiring the veteran big man. 

Embiid is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks following surgery to repair a meniscus injury in his left knee. That would take him right up to the end of the regular season if he’s able to return. Whether or not the Sixers are in the playoffs depends on how they play during Embiid’s absence.

Going into Thursday’s play, Philadelphia is fifth in the Eastern Conference standings with a 30–19 record and third in the Atlantic Division behind the Celtics and New York Knicks.