Sixers' Doc Rivers Discusses Approach to Trade Deadline

When it comes to the NBA trade rumor mill, the Philadelphia 76ers have never been a team to fly under the radar. Within a few years, the Sixers have engaged in several blockbuster trades to land significant prospects in Jimmy Butler, Tobias Harris, and, most recently, James Harden.

After taking part in one of the biggest trades before the deadline last season, the Sixers aren’t making nearly as much noise this time around. However, they haven’t been silent, either.

For the last couple of weeks, Sixers veteran Matisse Thybulle has been the most popular name to pop up in trade rumors regarding the Sixers. As teams such as the Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, and Atlanta Hawks are rumored to be interested in the defensive standout, it’s been hard for Thybulle to avoid the noise.

In the past, Sixers head coach Doc Rivers found himself in situations where he’s had to have conversations with his players to keep their focus on the game and not the outside noise. Tobias Harris is a player that Rivers has admitted to having conversations with in the past on the topic.

While Rivers wouldn’t reveal whether or not he’s had to have the same conversation with Thybulle, the Sixers' head coach discussed his approach with players when it comes to the trade deadline.

“I do one-on-one, I don’t literally say, but certain guys need it, and certain guys don’t,” said Rivers. “If you feel like they do, you talk to them. Every year is different, every team is different. I don’t think it’s been a big issue with us thus far.”

As far as team-wide conversations go, Rivers doesn’t feel a need to approach a topic that isn’t causing any friction within the locker room.

“I don’t say a word [to the team] — I don’t — unless it’s needed,” he continued. “Again, I’ve had teams where you could see that the talk was affecting them, or I’ve had teams where the talk was affecting individuals and you try to take care of it as best as you can. This is a different day and time. A lot of the stuff out there is untrue, but it’s still reality to them. You read it, you believe it, or some of them [believe it].”

Last season, the Ben Simmons saga prior to the acquisition of James Harden kept the Sixers relevant in the rumor mill from the offseason up until February. From an outsider’s perspective, it certainly seems like the Sixers aren’t the topic of many trade rumors. To Rivers, he assumes that’s probably the case based on his knowledge of what’s being discussed.

“I don’t know [if it’s lighter this year], honestly, because I haven’t read any of the stuff,” Rivers finished. “It feels that way, but I don’t know that.”

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.