Rumor Report: Sixers Interested in Will Barton

The trade rumors continue to swirl as we inch closer to the March 25th deadline. After multiple names being linked to the 76ers as potential trade candidates, another name has joined the mix. 

Jason Dumas of Bleacher Report has reported that the Sixers have inquired about the availability of Nuggets' guard Will Barton. Other names he mentioned included P.J. Tucker, Delon Wright, and George Hill. 

The 30-year-old Barton is currently averaging 11.6 PPG, 3.5 RPG, and 3.1 APG in 33 games for Denver this season. He is also shooting a stellar 38.8% from beyond on the arc on almost four attempts a game. 

Barton can check a lot of boxes for what the Sixers need in terms of improvement. He is a guy who can knock down shots on the perimeter, and most importantly, create his own offense. If acquired he and Shake Milton could be a nice duo of three-level scorers for a second unit that has struggled on the offensive end of the floor. 

Along with what he can do for the bench, he is also a guy who can fit well with the starting lineup. His ball-handling and shot creation would be a boost in the half-court offense and is shooting 40.3% on his catch and shoot threes this season. Making him a reliable spot-up option on the floor with Simmons and Embiid. 

Getting a deal like this done could be tricky for Daryl Morey and the Sixers. Barton's 13.7 million dollar cap hit this season complicates things in a potential trade. Outside of centering the deal around Danny Green, the Sixers will need to throw in multiple contracts to match salaries. 

Adding Barton to this roster would be more than a rental, as he is also under contract for next season. This could make the decision of trading for him a lot easier. 

Bolstering the second unit needs to be a key focus for the Sixers as they look to upgrade before the postseason. Getting a guy in Barton who can generate his own looks on offense brings an element to the bench unit that they have missed in recent weeks. 

At the right price, this deal is almost a no-brainer for the Sixers. Barton can be a super-sub who holds down the second unit and even help close games with the starters. Having another guard in the backcourt with Seth Curry who can put the ball on the floor could be a huge boost for the Sixers in the postseason when the game slows down.