2. Sixers can trade for Magic's Jonathan Isaac
It's time for the Jonathan Isaac conversation. He has been one of the most effective per-minute defenders in the NBA. The advanced metrics paint a glowing portrait — 0.7 DWS and .160 WS/48 and 3.2 DBPM. He is averaging 0.9 steals and 1.2 blocks in 13.6 minutes per game. He doesn't have a place in the Orlando Magic rotation and he is still working his way back from a catastrophic knee injury, but the talent is there. Maybe the Sixers can take advantage.
This essentially serves as a salary dump for Orlando. Marcus Morris is on the books for a similar dollar amount, but his contract is expiring. Isaac has $17.4 million in non-guaranteed money next season. The Sixers would have a deicison to make in the offseason depending on Isaac's performance. Whether it's for $17.4 million or less, however, there's a much stronger incentive to invest in Isaac's future. He is still 26 and only a couple years removed from DPOY-level contributions.
The Sixers would bank on Isaac's 3-point shot perking up and his durability improving. Philadelphia is similarly loaded with quality wings, but Isaac could easily fill Morris' role as a four-five tweener who spots up along the perimeter and plays within the team construct on offense. On defense, Isaac's weak-side rim protection and off-ball playmaking has the potential to completely revamp the Sixers' second unit.
He will be forever marred by inherent re-injury risk, but Isaac has been extremely impactful in his sparse minutes for the 20-15 Magic. The Sixers don't necessarily need another big wing, but Isaac's defense is next level and the offense could come back to him eventually. Isaac's non-guaranteed money next season limits the risk for Philadelphia. It's worth tossing a second-round pick or two to Orlando to see if Isaac can unearth his old magic.