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The Philadelphia 76ers have opened the season with three consecutive wins, including victories over the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers, both of whom reached the Eastern Conference finals last year. However, despite the strong start, center depth has emerged as a pressing issue for the team.
Joel Embiid is healthy to begin a season for the first time in recent memory, but the rotation behind him is virtually nonexistent. Adem Bona, who served as the primary backup center last season, has struggled mightily early on. Even at his best, Bona's aggressive playing style is better suited for short bursts off the bench, and he is not a player the Sixers want starting when Embiid rests or is sidelined.
Compounding the problem, Jabari Walker, Dominick Barlow, and two-way center Tacko Fall are all dealing with injuries. Fall is expected to return soon, according to head coach Nick Nurse, but relying on him consistently could create more issues than it solves. As a result, Philadelphia may need to explore trade options to address the void.
Trade Proposal: Thomas Sorber
Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti has built a reputation for drafting talent, stockpiling depth, and flipping assets for future picks. Thomas Sorber, the Thunder's 2025 first-round pick, missed all of last season with a knee injury and is now buried behind Isaiah Hartenstein, Jaylin Williams, and 2026 first-rounder Aday Mara. The Sixers could capitalize on OKC's surplus.
Sorber is not yet healthy but is nearing a return and potential debut. Philadelphia needs size and rebounding, and Sorber excelled on the boards as a freshman at Georgetown, posting a 21.9% defensive rebound rate. He plays with a high motor and strong defensive anticipation. While he won't run the floor or catch lobs like Bona, Sorber can bully opponents in the post and deliver sharp passes on the short roll. He is unproven, so there is risk, but Barlow—once healthy—could become a rotation piece in OKC. A smart gamble on Sorber could raise Philadelphia's floor in non-Embiid minutes.
Trade Proposal: Amari Williams
If the Sixers prefer a lower-cost option, they could target a two-way player. Tacko Fall is more of a locker room presence than a serious on-court contributor, but rostering two centers among three two-way slots is feasible. Caleb Love is redundant with Anfernee Simons and Labaron Philon Jr. on the roster. Boston's Amari Williams, a dominant two-way force in college, is seeking an NBA breakthrough.
Williams is not the only two-way player worth considering, and it's fair to wonder if Boston would want to deal with Philadelphia after recent offseason dealings. However, he stands out as a plug-and-play fit. As a senior at Kentucky, Williams did a bit of everything: he attacked the glass, blocked shots, and averaged 3.2 assists in 22.3 minutes (24.9% assist rate). He didn't play much last year in Boston and won't offer much scoring, but he can do the dirty work when Philly's frontline is thin.
Trade Proposal: DaRon Holmes II
DaRon Holmes II fits the mold of Thomas Sorber—a former first-round pick whose early career has been hampered by injuries. Holmes missed his entire rookie year with a knee injury. Upon returning last season, he started six of 25 games. While his early NBA tape is not impressive, he was one of the most dominant rim protectors in college basketball during a three-year stint at Dayton. He was also a strong defensive rebounder and led his conference in field goal percentage twice, while shooting 35.8% from three for his career.
Holmes can run the break, space the floor, and facilitate in two-man actions. His skill set fits seamlessly with the Sixers. Trading a proven player like Barlow—who is an emergency center option himself—is a risk, but Holmes' rim protection and long-term upside could be worth it.
Trade Proposal: Yves Missi
The boldest and most immediately impactful option is Yves Missi. Currently starting for the New Orleans Pelicans, Missi is available for the right price. In his first two games this season, he averaged 9.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks in 19.5 minutes. He is dealing with a bone bruise but it is not considered serious.
New Orleans could likely demand a first-round pick from Philadelphia for the third-year center. That is a steep ask given the Sixers' limited flexibility after the Jaylen Brown trade. If Philly surrenders a 2033 first-rounder, it would surely be heavily protected—at least top-eight—due to future uncertainty. Justin Edwards is not in the rotation even when the team is shorthanded. Missi would instantly become the everyday backup and a quality starter when Embiid sits. Last season, the Pelicans were 5.4 points per 100 possessions better with Missi on the floor. He plays with power and quickness, is a lob threat, a voracious rebounder, and a potentially elite shot-blocker. For a team focused on winning now, sacrificing future assets may be necessary. Missi provides stability at backup center that Philadelphia desperately lacks.
Originally reported by fansided.