Nothing like a good ol’ NBA trade to distract the impatient NBA fan from a Championship game seven. The Philadelphia 76ers have dealt disgruntled center Sam Dalembert to Sacramento in exchange for center Spencer Hawes and small forward Andres Nocioni. Dalembert will earn nearly 13 million in the final year of his contract, while Hawes, also with an expiring contract will earn far less (about 3 million). Nocioni will be owed almost 7 million each of the next two seasons with a team option for the third season.

At first glance, this trade fills the need for a defensive minded big man that the Kings have coveted. In return, the Sixers release a locker room annoyance for a young big man with potential, and a decent forward in Nocioni. Looking deeper, this trade could have possible draft ramifications. The Sixers could now go with a big man at the no. 2 spot such as Derrick Favors instead of the more popular choice in Evan Turner. The Kings could now look less at going for a big man at the no. 5 spot and instead pick a small forward-type player.

Since I’m a Sixers fan, I also can’t help but notice the logjam at small forward in Iguadala, Thad Young, and now Nocioni. Could this prompt another deal? I think yes.

-G