NBA Trade Rumors: 3 players the Philadelphia 76ers should target

After losing in the 2012 Eastern Conference Semifinals to the Boston Celtics, the Philadelphia 76ers embarked on the darkest period in the history of the franchise. The team suffered a losing record in five consecutive seasons, and during the 15/16 NBA season, the Sixers finished the campaign with a 10-72 record.

Nevertheless, after years of being told to 'trust the process', fans of the Sixers have finally been rewarded. Last season, Philadelphia returned to the playoffs after a six-year absence, and the team is in an even stronger position to compete this year, as both Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid have a full season of NBA basketball behind them.

During the early stages of the season, the Sixers were also able to add All-Star Jimmy Butler, and at the midway point of the season, Philadelphia sits fourth in the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 31-17. Nevertheless, the 76ers may need more additions in order to compete in the postseason against the Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors and here are three individuals that could improve the team.

#3 Dennis Smith Jr.

Dennis Smith Jr. was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks last season and thanks to an impressive debut season, the young guard was named to the All-Rookie Second Team. Nevertheless, the Mavs have reportedly been left disappointed by the youngster's performances so far this season and the team is seemingly looking to trade away their starting point guard.

There's no doubting that the emergence of Luka Doncic has lessened Smith's impact, although Smith is still just 21, and the young guard has already demonstrated that he can have a positive impact on the outcome of games. Ultimately, Markelle Fultz' time in Philadelphia hasn't worked out, and the addition of Smith would also allow Ben Simmons to return to his favored position.