Sixers linked to sneaky deadline target with Nick Nurse ties originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Sacramento Kings are by far one of the NBA’s fire sale candidates ahead of the trade deadline next week. As the Philadelphia 76ers look to make some improvements before a potential return to the playoffs, could a Kings player make sense for them?
Advertisement
PHLY’s Kyle Neubeck tossed a possible bargain chip on the table by mentioning the veteran forward, Precious Achiuwa.
“I wonder if Achiuwa would be a bargain target at the deadline as a front court, occasionally hit a three, play both spots there, small-ball five power forward,” Neubeck said this week. “I would keep an eye on him because he’s on a really small contract and I assume is very gettable.”
At just 26, Achiuwa is at an awkward spot in his career. After having some impactful runs early on in his career, he had trouble finding a landing spot over the 2025 offseason.
Following a two-year tenure with the New York Knicks, Achiuwa signed with the Miami Heat to spend training camp and the preseason with them. He didn’t make Miami’s final cuts. After missing opening night this year, Achiuwa would soon land a call from the Kings in early November. He’s playing with a 12-38 squad, who is in the midst of an eight-game losing streak.
Precious Achiuwa
(Getty Images)
Advertisement
Should the Sixers Phone the Kings?
The Sixers could use some power forward help, and Achiuwa carries more than just regular season experience.
Since 2020, the veteran power forward has appeared in 320 games with 72 starts. He averaged 20.0 minutes per game, producing 7.6 points and 5.7 rebounds. In the playoffs, Achiuwa appeared in three games with the Heat, six games with the Raptors, and 17 games with the Knicks across two runs. His best postseason came with the Raptors under nick Nurse, when he posted 10.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.
Without knowing what the Kings would ask for in an Achiuwa deal, one has to assume it would be a low-risk offer to make to land the forward. Since the Sixers aren’t expected to make any major swings at the deadline this season, Achiuwa could be the right under-the-radar acquisition to help with depth in the front court come playoff time.
More 76ers News:
76ers make decision on trading VJ Edgecombe
Joel Embiid sends strong message to 76ers’ front office
76ers fans erupt over Tyrese Maxey’s dagger vs Kings