Breaking Down the Trade Market for Sixers' Bigs

The Sixers have more than enough bigs, so who could be in the market for one if they make a move this season? 

The overcrowding of Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor and even Richaun Holmes (let's face it, Joel Embiid isn't going anywhere) has to get balanced at some point. Sixers president of basketball operations Bryan Colangelo has reiterated they are not in a rush to make a move just to clear up the roster.

If the Sixers were to trade a big man, there are teams around the league in need of an upgrade at that position or who are looking to fill a void left by injury. 

Check out seven teams that could be interested in acquiring a center this season, and who could be a fit for the Sixers in return. These scenarios are based on potential player compatibility within the Sixers' system.

Boston Celtics
The Sixers and Celtics have been linked as potential trade partners since last season. Even though the Celtics locked in Al Horford for a mega-deal in the offseason, the veteran big can also play further out from the five spot, which could make way for Okafor to score in the middle. The Celtics also could pair Noel with fiery Isaiah Thomas for an uptempo duo. Big man Amir Johnson is in the final year of his contract and the Celtics are savvy at moving expiring deals.

Any potential targets? The Sixers could use a backcourt player like shooting guard Avery Bradley, but he is coveted by the Celtics and his affordable contract ($8 million per season) is trade bait gold. When making a deal with the Celtics, the real return on investment could be a draft pick, of which they have plenty. 

Houston Rockets
A single game can make a difference in playoff seedings, especially in the Western Conference. The Rockets need to avoid a drop off in the absence of Clint Capela. The team announced on Dec. 20 the center had suffered a small left fibula fracture and will be re-evaluated in four weeks. In the meantime, the Rockets have turned to backup Montrezl Harrell, who recently scored 29 points against the Clippers. 

Any potential targets? The Sixers have been hit at the point guard spot, and Patrick Beverley does a little bit of everything (9.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists) at a mere - by NBA standards - $6 million this season. 

Washington Wizards
The Wizards committed $64 million over the next four seasons to Ian Mahinmi. The 6-foot-11 center, however, has appeared in just one game and it is uncertain when he will return. Mahinmi underwent left knee surgery (partially torn medial meniscus) in mid-October. He aggravated his right knee and suffered a bone bruise on his left knee during his rehab. On Dec. 20, the Wizards announced Mahinmi is expected to miss six weeks while he continues treatment. Veteran center Marcin Gortat has started every game this season.

Any potential targets? Small forward Otto Porter Jr. is having a breakout year (14.3 points, 6.8 rebounds) in the final season of his rookie contract. The Wizards, however, have expressed interest in keeping him on the team "long-term," according to CSN Mid-Atlantic. 

Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks signed center Greg Monroe to a max deal in 2015 and already have expressed interest in trading him, according to Woelfel's Press Box. Monroe is earning $17.1 million this season with a player option for next season. That's a lot of money invested in a player who has turned out to be a backup center. The Bucks could explore a less costly option.

Any potential targets? Small forward Khris Middleton's game would certainly help the Sixers. Actually, his game (18.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists) would help a lot of teams, the reason why the Bucks inked him to a long-term deal in which he is earning $15.2 million this season. When it comes to the Bucks, the hurdle with many of their players is lengthy contracts. Except for Monroe and the young and talented Jabari Parker, who is worth holding onto. 

Toronto Raptors 
The Raptors are still waiting for Jared Sullinger to get healthy from foot surgery. In the interim, they have been starting rookie Pascal Siakam at power forward. A player like Noel who can stretch the floor would be an enhancement from Siakam who plays closer to the rim (70 percent of his shot attempts have come from within ten feet of the basket). Noel also could be a lob partner for the Raptors' backcourt.

Any potential targets? Small forward Terrence Ross has the explosiveness that would be a dream in an uptempo system (remember his dunks against the Sixers?). After this season, Ross has another two years on his contract at $10.5 million each. The Raptors would have to give up a perimeter presence to fill their frontcourt holes. 

Portland Trail Blazers
The Trail Blazers will be in need of another big if Festus Ezeli (knee) undergoes season-ending surgery. They signed Ezeli, who established himself with the Warriors, to a two-year deal this offseason. The Trail Blazers have a team option for 2017-18 and could explore other options should Ezeli miss the remainder of the season.

Any potential targets? Allen Crabbe was on several free agency wish lists this offseason. The Trail Blazers won out and he is not eligible to be moved until mid-January. Even then, unless the struggling Trail Blazers think they need to make a major move to change the direction of the team, Crabbe is locked in as part of the future.

Cleveland Cavaliers 
This one may be a stretch since the team is rolling with ease, but it's on the list because their backup center can also be a stretch four. The Cavs are bringing Channing Frye off the bench behind Tristan Thompson. Frye is a reliable outside shooter who is knocking down 45.6 percent from three this season. The Cavs have a hole in their depth chart at the five spot since Chris Andersen suffered a season-ending ACL tear. They have a $9.6 million trade exception from Anderson Varejao to work with.

Any potential targets? The Cavs have a good thing going right now with most of their group back to defend their title. They will want to keep that core in tact, which doesn't leave much by way of coveted available players. The Sixers already got a look at Jordan McRae on their D-League affiliate.