Filip

Petrusev

Traded from Philadelphia to the Clippers (as part of the James Harden deal) and then to Sacramento, Petrusev only appeared in two games for the Kings. According to Wojnarowski, the 50th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft is expected to sign a deal overseas, while the Kings will keep the 15th roster spot open for the time being.

Included in the trade that sent James Harden and P.J. Tucker to the Clippers, Petrusev is headed north to Sacramento in a separate trade. The former Gonzaga big man and 2021 second-round pick has yet to establish himself in the NBA, as he plied his trade in Europe before the 76ers brought him over this summer. Petrusev’s addition won’t impact fantasy basketball, but it gives the Kings an opportunity to evaluate a young, talented big man.

Tucker’s non-existent fantasy value doesn’t move now that he’s in LA, and he remains someone to leave on the waiver wire. His departure could mean some additional minutes for Paul Reed, but with so many forwards entering the fray in Philly, Reed may still have a tough time finding meaningful minutes.

At long last, Harden gets what he wants and lands with his dream team. Leave it to him to get moved at the NFL trade deadline and steal the spotlight. This is a deal similar to a fantasy hoops manager sending out two bench guys and someone he’s going to drop to the waiver wire for your best player. You know that guy in your league. Harden had made things so difficult for the Sixers and tanked his trade value around the league that this was likely the best Daryl Morey could get. There’s a lot to unpack here, but the biggest winner is Tyrese Maxey, who should continue to be an absolute stud in Philly. The biggest loser is Russell Westbrook, who may not be worth rostering in 12-team leagues.

Petrusev’s play during the second stage of the FIBA World Cup is one reason why Serbia has reached the semifinals, as they’ll take on Canada on Friday. But the 76ers big man still isn’t back to full strength due to the right ankle injury he suffered during Serbia’s opening game. Petrusev missed Serbia’s final two group-stage games before returning for the second phase, and he most recently recorded a line of 17 points and six rebounds off the bench in a quarterfinal win over Lithuania. His play during the FIBA World Cup may be a sign that Petrusev is better positioned to help the 76ers than initially expected. If so, that would be great news for Philadelphia, as Montrezl Harrell suffered a torn ACL earlier this summer. Don’t expect Petrusev to be a fantasy asset immediately, but he’s someone to keep an eye on in deeper leagues once training camp begins.

According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the contract is partially guaranteed for the 2023-24 season and non-guaranteed for 2024-25. A second-round pick of the 76ers in 2021, the former Gonzaga big man spent the last two seasons playing overseas. Petrusev appeared in two games in Las Vegas last week, averaging 12.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks in nearly 22 minutes. With Philadelphia having Paul Reed and Montrezl Harrell to back up Joel Embiid, Petrusev faces a tough battle for playing time next season.

The 50th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Petrusev spent last season with Anadolu Efes in Turkey. And, unlike other “draft-and-stash” prospects, the former Gonzaga big man was able to make sure that he would be available to Philadelphia from a contract standpoint. He only signed a one-year deal with Anadolu Efes, and that’s the way in which Petrusev plans to approach his future if he doesn’t get the call to join the 76ers this season. “I signed a one-year deal so I can be available,” Petrusev said. “Then if not, I’ll just sign one more year in Europe. So I will try to be available after every year.” In order to add Petrusev to the roster for next season, Philadelphia would have to free up a roster spot (James Harden, once he signs his new deal, would push the Sixers to 16 standard contracts, so they’ll already have to waive a player in order to hit the max of 15.). And it’s worth noting that Philadelphia already has the likes of Paul Reed and Charles Bassey available to provide depth behind Joel Embiid.

The 50th pick in the 2021 Draft, Petrusev had a shaky Summer League and is going to need more seasoning overseas. He was always expected to be a draft-and-stash player anyways.

He averaged 17.5 points and nearly eight rebounds per game in his second and final season with Gonzaga, after which he played professionally in Serbia. He has shown flashes of promise and it’s hard to find such a well-rounded game this deep in the draft, but GM Daryl Morey confirmed that Petrusev will “most likely” play overseas during the 2021-22 season.