76ers News: NBA Insider Details Philly's Trade Deadline Plans

Just before the trade deadline, the Philadelphia 76ers received news that has changed their season completely. After being one of the league's most dominant forces during the first half of the season, Joel Embiid will be out for at least the next four weeks. The All-Star center suffered an injury to the meniscus in his left knee during a matchup against the Golden State Warriors.

This Embiid news comes at a crucial point in the season, as the trade deadline is just days away. Despite being without their top player for the foreseeable future, one insider believes the Sixers' plans aren't going to change.

While on NBA Today, Adrian Wojnarowski was about the Sixers leading up to Thursday's trade deadline. He stated even with the Embiid injury, Philly is expected to operate as a buyer.

"The Sixers are very much weighing the possibility that Joel Embiid does return this season. That they can still play with him as their centerpiece, and because of that, they're going to continue to be buyers at this trade deadline," Woj said Tuesday.

In terms of specific upgrades, Woj mentioned backup center as an area of need for the Sixers. Some names he tossed out were Andre Drummond and Utah Jazz big man Kelly Olynyk.

"Perhaps is there a backup center who can help carry them here in the short term, there's certainly a number of them available," Woj continued. "Potentially players like Andre Drummond, who had been in Philadelphia before. Kelly Olynyk, those are some of the guys in that marketplace."

Drummond has been a reliable backup center for the Chicago Bulls. This season, he is averaging 7.7 PPG and 8.3 RPG. As for Olynyk, he is having one of his best all-around seasons as a pro. The veteran big man is posting averages of 8.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG, and 4.3 APG while shooting close to 43% from beyond the arc.