Atlanta Traded Several Picks for Bruno Fernando's Rights
The July 6, 2019 exchange gave Atlanta the draft rights to Maryland big man Bruno Fernando, selected thirty-fourth in 2019. Philadelphia received guard Jordan Bone's draft rights and two later second-round selections whose historical draft slots became associated with Theo Maledon in 2020 and Colby Jones in 2023. The choice allowed Atlanta to concentrate its resources on one identifiable center prospect, while Philadelphia preferred several chances and tradable future assets. The listed draft names represent the lineage of each choice, not proof that all three ever signed a 76ers NBA contract. Both teams were making decisions about developmental timing rather than swapping veterans.
Fernando Became a Genuine Hawks Reserve
Fernando played NBA games for Atlanta during the following seasons and had a chance to develop behind more established frontcourt options. His contribution was limited compared with the team's key scorers and rim protectors, but it was real receiving-team playing time. He did not become the franchise's long-term centerpiece solely through this move, and his subsequent seasons elsewhere must be separated from the trade. Atlanta's incoming asset was a player who could be tested in an NBA rotation rather than merely stored in a draft ledger. That deserves a stronger evaluation than assuming Fernando contributed nothing.
Philadelphia Retained Multiple Paths to Future Value
The 76ers held a package including Jordan Bone's rights and two future second-round opportunities. Bone's path later led through other NBA organizations, while Maledon became associated with Oklahoma City and Jones with Sacramento after further transactions. Philadelphia could use the selections as trade components or developmental choices, but those external NBA games weren't 76ers production. The asset package was still genuine compensation: three chances or transactions provided more flexibility than a single second-round prospect. Counting all subsequent careers as Philadelphia players would be as misleading as dismissing the draft options entirely because the team later moved them.
Multiple Rights Versus an Actual Atlanta Contributor
Philadelphia acquired broader draft flexibility and retained several opportunities to move or use secondary assets, which supports the winning direction. Atlanta nevertheless received a center who made actual NBA appearances and shouldn't be given a failing grade. A fair comparison looks beyond the raw total of three incoming names on the 76ers side, because each choice carried specific later conveyance paths. The Hawks received immediate access to an identifiable roster prospect, while the Sixers pursued a collection of smaller assets over time. Neither outcome resembles a franchise-changing star trade, and the grades should stay in a moderate range.
Final Verdict
76ers Win by a modest flexibility edge. Philadelphia earns B for the rights to Jordan Bone and two future second-round selections associated with the later Theo Maledon and Colby Jones draft positions. Atlanta receives B- for Bruno Fernando's actual NBA center minutes. Neither Maledon's Oklahoma City career nor Jones's Sacramento appearances are counted as Philadelphia games; later pick transactions require separate accounting.