It has been publicized that Tatum was put in the trading block even before the season started, but it still came as a surprise to some after they heard of the trade. Here's what the Management has to say following the announcement:
We may be seeing the new face of the Sixers in a year or two
"Yeah, we pursue this trade not the other way around. We might regret this trade later on but right now we're very optimistic with this move. We love the idea of grooming Simons to be the heir apparent once Donovan's time is up with the team. Donovan is getting older by the day but we feel he still has a couple of All Star years in his pocket. The good thing about this is Simons could actually take over as soon as next season. He is already in his prime years and expected to get better once he gets fully accustomed with the system. We could see a starting back court combo if things find its mark right away but we're not in a hurry. The plan is to get him acclimatized as the 6th man running the PG/SG spot. Probably better than what Tatum can provide particularly on the defensive end." GM Rox response when asked how this trade materialized.
It may be just a quiet entrance, but Caroline and Gueye are expected to bolster the already deep SF/PF rotation of the Sixers. Especially Caroline, who was drafted by GM Rox during his stint in Chicago a while back.
Caroline is ready to take the starting SF spot in his debut for the Sixers
"I have to mention my boy Jordan. I'm glad to have him back. I'm pushing for him to be added here. Probably a starting SF spot for us, to be honest. I think he will be great fit next to EJ, patrolling the wing together. I'm not trolling, most would probably say he's just a bench guy but i do believe he's very capable of getting the job done and i'm looking forward to that. About Gueye, i think he has the skills to play for us also, maybe a little guidance from his older brother Mouhamadou can make a big difference." answered when asked about the other players coming in after the trade.
"I'm a little surprised with the early positive turnout but it's just 14 games, we have to play consistently all throughout the Regular Season and hopefully finish the job this time around. We are really motivated to do better especially with our pick not on our pocket. We're probably not yet done wheeling and dealing, that's the reason why there's a trade deadline, right?"
when asked about the team's performance and what's in store moving forward.