76ers-Suns 2018 Trade Revisited: A Disastrous Deal for Philadelphia

Four Years Later, the Trade Still Haunts the Sixers

In a move that has come to be regarded as one of the worst draft-day trades in recent memory, the Philadelphia 76ers dealt away Mikal Bridges to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Zhaire Smith and a future first-round pick in 2018.

Mikal Bridges' Flourishing Career

While Smith never panned out for the Sixers, Bridges has blossomed into a star for the Suns. The 6'7" wing has emerged as one of the league's top perimeter defenders, earning All-Defensive Second Team honors in 2021 and 2022. He has also developed into a reliable scorer and shooter, averaging over 14 points per game in each of the past three seasons.

Missed Opportunity for the Sixers

In contrast, Smith's NBA career has been derailed by injuries. He only played 42 games for the Sixers in two seasons before being traded to the Miami Heat. Since then, he has bounced around the league, struggling to find a consistent role.

Conclusion

The 76ers-Suns trade of 2018 stands as a cautionary tale about the dangers of making short-sighted draft-day decisions. By trading away a future star in Bridges, the Sixers missed out on a potential franchise-altering player. Four years later, the deal continues to be a painful reminder of what could have been for Philadelphia.