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Taylor Swift’s First ‘From The Vault’ Track From ‘Fearless (Taylor’s Version)’ Features Maren Morris

When Taylor Swift announced Fearless (Taylor’s Version) last month, one notable bit of news about the tracklist was that it would feature new recordings of unreleased songs from the Fearless era. Fans will get to hear the first of those soon: This morning, Swift revealed that at midnight tonight, she will be releasing “You All Over Me (From The Vault).”

Furthermore, the track features backing vocals from Maren Morris, as well as production from Folklore and Evermore collaborator Aaron Dessner. Swift announced the track on social media this morning, writing on Instagram, “HI. I wanted to let you know that the first ‘From the Vault’ song I’m releasing from Fearless (Taylor’s Version) comes out tomorrow at midnight eastern. It’s called You All Over Me (From The Vault). One thing I’ve been loving about these From The Vault songs is that they’ve never been heard, so I can experiment, play, and even include some of my favorite artists. I’m really excited to have @marenmorris singing background vocals on this song!! Produced by Aaron Dessner and co-written by Scooter Carusoe – can’t wait for you to hear it.”

Morris seems excited for the recording to drop, as she responded to Swift’s tweet about it, “too early for [champagne]?”

This isn’t the first time the two have linked up. At a 2018 stop of the Reputation tour, for example, Morris made a guest appearance to join Swift in a performance of “The Middle.”

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Bernie Sanders Thinks Trump Is ‘Racist’ And ‘Sexist,’ But He Still Doesn’t ‘Feel Comfortable’ About His Twitter Ban

Donald Trump has been off Twitter since early January when the social media platform “permanently suspended” his account due to “the risk of further incitement of violence.” The former-president claims he’s doing fine without being able to tweet (and in a real Bender building his own theme park move, he’s reportedly working on his his own social media site that will attract “tens of millions” of MAGA followers), but does anyone believe him? No. Twitter has been a quieter, 0.0000000001 percent more civilized place without #45’s piping hot Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart takes, but Bernie Sanders, one of Trump’s biggest foes, thinks his suspension sets a dangerous precedent.

On a recent episode of The Ezra Klein Show podcast, Sanders called Trump a “a racist, a sexist, a homophobe, a xenophobe, a pathological liar, an authoritarian, somebody who doesn’t believe in the rule of law.” That being said, “If you’re asking me, do I feel particularly comfortable that the president, the then-president of the United States, could not express his views on Twitter? I don’t feel comfortable about it.” He continued:

“I don’t like giving that much power to a handful of high tech people, but the devil is obviously in the details and it’s something we’re going to have to think long and hard on, and that is how you preserve First Amendment rights without moving this country into a big lie mentality and conspiracy theories.”

Sanders has previously said that “we should definitely take a look at” at breaking up Big Tech companies like Facebook and Twitter — even if it means letting Trump back on to tweet more “garbage.” You can listen to the podcast episode below.

(Via Axios)

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Anna Kendrick And Toni Collette Fight For Survival In Space In The Trailer For Netflix’s ‘Stowaway’

Things are about to get very claustrophobic for Anna Kendrick‘s latest streaming project. Alongside Toni Collette and Daniel Dae Kim, Kendrick stars in the upcoming Netflix Original, Stowaway, which centers around their three-person astronaut team learning that they blasted off with a mechanical engineer (Shamier Anderson) accidentally trapped inside the ship. While the situation seems manageable at first, things go from bad to worse when there’s only enough oxygen for the original team, and some difficult choices have to be made.

While talking to Entertainment Weekly to promote Stowaway‘s upcoming release, Kendrick praised director Joe Penna and the production team for creating the a little too realistic set. “It was like being in a spaceship. It was so cool,” Kendrick said. “I know [Penna] wanted it to feel incredibly claustrophobic — and that was not hard!”

Kendrick also revealed that Collette played a hand in ratcheting up the tension. “There were times when we’d be about to start rolling, and Toni would close her eyes and just whisper to herself, ‘we’re in space, we’re in space, we’re in space,’” Kendrick told EW. “It would add this level of absolute terror and desperation.” Here’s the official synopsis:

On a mission headed to Mars, an unintended stowaway accidentally causes severe damage to the spaceship’s life support systems. Facing dwindling resources and a potentially fatal outcome, the crew is forced to make an impossible decision. Directed by Joe Penna and starring Anna Kendrick, Daniel Dae Kim, Shamier Anderson and Toni Collette.

Stowaway takes off on Netflix on April 22.

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Works By Nas, Janet Jackson, And Kermit The Frog Have Been Inducted Into The Library Of Congress

Having a work preserved in the National Recording Registry of the Library Of Congress is a significant honor, and now that feat is something a handful of artists can add to their resume. Today, the Library Of Congress announced its 2020 selections for the registry and among the highlights from the world of modern music are Nas’ 1994 album Illmatic and Janet Jackson’s 1989 album Rhythm Nation 1814.

Some other notable works include one of the oldest known audio recordings via Thomas Edison, Kermit The Frog’s “The Rainbow Connection,” Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s “Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World,” Kool & The Gang’s “Celebration,” Jackson Browne’s Late For The Sky, and the This American Life episode “The Giant Pool Of Money,” which is the first podcast recording to be included in the National Recording Registry.

Librarian Of Congress Carla Hayden said, “The National Recording Registry will preserve our history through these vibrant recordings of music and voices that have reflected our humanity and shaped our culture from the past 143 years. We received about 900 public nominations this year for recordings to add to the registry, and we welcome the public’s input as the Library Of Congress and its partners preserve the diverse sounds of history and culture.”

Check out the full list of recordings from the 2020 class below.

1. “St. Louis Tinfoil” — Thomas Edison (1878)
2. “Nikolina” — Hjalmar Peterson (1917) (single)
3. “Smyrneikos Balos” — Marika Papagika (1928) (single)
4. “When The Saints Go Marching In” — Louis Armstrong (1938) (single)
5. Christmas Eve Broadcast — FDR & Winston Churchill (Dec. 24, 1941)
6. “The Guiding Light” — Nov. 22, 1945
7. Odetta Sings Ballads And Blues — Odetta (1957) (album)
8. “Lord, Keep Me Day by Day” — Albertina Walker And The Caravans (1959) (single)
9. Roger Maris hits his 61st home run (October 1, 1961)
10. Aida — Leontyne Price, et.al. (1962) (album)
11. “Once A Day” — Connie Smith (1964) (single)
12. Born Under A Bad Sign — Albert King (1967) (album)
13. Free To Be…You & Me — Marlo Thomas And Friends (1972) (album)
14. The Harder They Come — Jimmy Cliff (1972) (album)
15. “Lady Marmalade” — Labelle (1974) (single)
16. Late For The Sky — Jackson Browne (1974) (album)
17. Bright Size Life — Pat Metheny (1976) (album)
18. “The Rainbow Connection” — Kermit The Frog (1979) (single)
19. “Celebration” — Kool & The Gang (1980) (single)
20. Richard Strauss: Four Last Songs — Jessye Norman (1983) (album)
21. Rhythm Nation 1814 — Janet Jackson (1989) (album)
22. Partners — Flaco Jiménez (1992) (album)
23. “Over The Rainbow / What A Wonderful World” — Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (1993) (single)
24. Illmatic — Nas (1994) (album)
25. “This American Life: The Giant Pool Of Money” (May 9, 2008)

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Alexander Skarsgård Apparently ‘Looks Like An Absolute Beast’ As A Viking In Robert Eggers’ ‘The Northman’

Alexander Skarsgård recently looked like his usual svelte, charismatic self while portraying the face of evil, Randall Flagg, in CBS All Access’ The Stand reboot, but he apparently followed that up with heading into beast mode. That news arrives courtesy of Ralph Ineson, who’s part of the ensemble cast of The Northman, directed by Robert Eggers (The VVitch). Skarsgård portrays a viking, and presumably a very angry one, and Ineson is nothing but impressed (and perhaps slightly terrified) by what he’s seen from the leading man so far.

Ineson revealed to NME that he was “blown away” while watching a preview montage, and while beholding the “marriage of Rob Eggers’ imagination and Viking folklore… Jesus, man.” The movie stars Nicole Kidman (as Queen Gudrun) and Willem Dafoe (as Heimir the Fool), but it was Skarsgård’s portrayal of Nordic prince Almeth (and perhaps his physique as well) that drew the biggest reaction from Ineson:

“Alexander Skarsgård looks like an absolute beas… [There’s] a scene where he beats this guy in a battle; bends down and rips his throat out with his teeth, screams to the gods and he’s got his shirt off – and you think: ‘My god that’s not a bodybuilder doing a scene, that’s like a proper serious actor!’”

Eggers wrapped production on the period-revenge saga, which also stars The VVitch‘s Anya Taylor-Joy, Claes Bang, and Björk (in Ireland) in December. Hopefully, we’ll see a tease soon? No one can be mad about a Skarsgård in beast mode. He must be super ripped. Man, I miss going to the movies.

(Via NME

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Stephen Colbert Called Out An ‘Idiot’ Republican Senator For Not Recognizing America Has A Gun Problem

Tuesday’s episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert opened on a solemn note. “Yesterday was another grim day for America when a gunman walked into a Boulder, Colorado, supermarket and killed 10 people, including a police officer,” host Stephen Colbert began. “This story is unspeakably tragic and I cannot imagine for a moment the grief of these families and this community can be approached with words alone.”

The only suitable way of honoring the victims is with “action,” like stricter gun reform. Instead, we have people like John Kennedy (R-LA), who, during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on gun violence, said, “We have a lot of drunk drivers in America that kill a lot of people. We ought to try to combat that, too.” Colbert’s response: “OK, I’ll take that deal!” He continued, “Let’s regulate guns the way we regulate alcohol and cars: You gotta be 21, you gotta pass a test to get a license, you gotta have registration and insurance for your gun, if you move to a new state you gotta do the whole damn thing all over again, and you can’t go out loaded.” Kennedy wasn’t done spouting “folksy BS.” He claimed America doesn’t have a gun control problem, it has an “idiot control problem.”

“Oh, we definitely have an idiot control problem,” Colbert said. “It’s people who don’t recognize that this country has long had a gun problem, John Kennedy. So when idiots like John Kennedy refuse to do anything about getting rid of idiots’ guns, it’s clearly time to get rid of idiots like John Kennedy. And that means voting them out.”

You can watch the entire monologue above.

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Ed Sheeran Tearfully Performed A New Song At A Memorial For Australian Music Icon Michael Gudinski

The Australian music industry suffered a significant loss earlier this month with the death of Michael Gudinski, who was best known as the founder of Mushroom Records and Mushroom Group. An obituary in The Sydney Morning Herald described him as “one of the most significant and powerful players in the local music scene” and “a label boss, live music promoter, promoter of electronic dance music, music publisher, film and television producer, racehorse owner […] and passionate supporter of the St Kilda Football Club.”

Gudinski’s passing had a profound effect on many, including Ed Sheeran, who quarantined in Australia so he could perform at his memorial service today. At the event, Sheeran performed a new song that he finished writing while quarantining, called “Visiting Hours.”

Introducing the emotional track, Sheeran said, “In lockdown, I was able to have a guitar for quarantine. I always find the best way to process stuff is to write songs — be it good news, bad news, or whatever, and, yeah — here’s a song I finished last week.” Armed with an acoustic guitar, Sheeran began the tune, “I wish that heaven / Had visiting hours / So I just could show up / And bring good news / That she’s getting older / And I wish that you’d met her / The things that she’ll learn from me / I got them all from you.”

Immediately after strumming the last chord of the song, Sheeran wiped tears from his eyes and cried as he left the stage.

Following Gudinski’s passing, Sheeran took to Instagram to share a lengthy statement about Gudinski, along with photos of the two together. He wrote in part:

“It’s so hard to put into words how much Michael meant to me, and to all of us who knew him. I felt like I needed to try just so I could process it in my own head. […] We were, first and foremost, friends. He was a father figure and mentor to me. […] We holidayed many times with our families and together. We had late night, early morning talks, all over the world, from my house to his, from his hotel room to mine, in back of cars, planes, long walks. Every memory I have of him is so clear and precise, because every moment was electric. […]

The night he passed, I was very grateful to be able to share his favourite wine with him and say goodbye. […] Nothing will fill the void he left in our lives, but the memories we all have of him will live on. He’s everyone’s favourite story, and I will make sure I keep sharing all of my amazing stories I have of him. I’ve loved hearing everyone else’s this week. In between the tears there has been laughter and joy, remembering this Titan of a man.”

Watch Sheeran perform “Visiting Hours” above and find his post about Gudinski below.

Ed Sheeran is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

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These Mezcals Feature A Perfect Smoky-To-Sweet Ratio

We talk a lot about whiskey, specifically bourbon and Scotch, around here. In fact, we zero in on whiskey so much that sometimes it feels like other spirits get lost in the shuffle for a few months. Mezcal, we apologize. We haven’t given you the attention you deserve of late.

That changes today. And since spring has officially sprung, the timing couldn’t be better.

For those needing a primer, mezcal is actually the term for any distilled alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant in Mexico. This means that tequila is also a form of mezcal. But while a spirit must be 51% Blue Weber Agave to be called a tequila (there are other rules), it can be made from any agave varietal and still be called a mezcal.

Flavor-wise, mezcal is often noted for its vegetal-sweet flavor notes featuring a robust, smoky backbone. Of course, some mezcals are smokier than others, making them a little tougher to get into. Balance is what you’re after, if you’re just starting your mezcal journey.

That’s why we’ve decided to share ten mezcals that manage a perfect smoky-to-sweet ratio. Check them all out below.

El Silencio Espadin

El Silencio

ABV: 43%

Average Price: $40

The Story:

Master mezcalero Pedro Hernandez makes this small-batch mezcal using Espadin agave as its base. It comes in a bottle that draws its inspiration from the traditional “barro negro” of Oaxaca. This organic mezcal is produced using the authentic process used for centuries. Agave is roasted, crushed to release its juices, and double distilled.

Tasting Notes:

On the nose, you’ll find vegetal sweetness and a subtle kick of woodsmoke. The palate is filled with buttery caramel, pineapple, a dose of green herbs, and an underlying smoky presence. The finish is long, filled with heat, and ends with a nice mix of orange peels and vanilla.

Bottom Line:

This mezcal bridges the gap between sweet and smoke nicely, but it’s more of a mixer than a sipper. Perfect for a smoky margarita or bloody Maria.

Mezcal de Leyendas Maguey Ancho Guerrero

Mezcal de Leyendas

ABV: 46.9%

Average Price: $79

The Story:

Made using 100% Agave cupreata, Mezcal de Leyendas Maguey Ancho is one of a few artisanal mezcals in the Mezcal de Leyendas portfolio. This offering comes from Mazatlán, Guerrero, in the Sierra Madre mountains of southwest Mexico using roasted agave pits, a mechanical grinder, oak wood vats, and traditional copper pot alembic stills.

Tasting Notes:

Take a moment to breathe in the scents of tropical fruits, roasted agave, vanilla beans, and a kiss of smoke. Take a sip and you’ll find grilled pineapple, orange peel, and buttery caramel — all shuttling across a smoky backbone. The dram ends with a nice mix of sweet agave and smoke.

Bottom Line:

If you’re looking for a smoky, subtly spicy, semi-sweet sipper, look no further than Mezcal de Leyendas Maguey Ancho. Pair it with a crackling fire and you have the makings of a great evening.

El Buho Espadin Mezcal

El Buho

ABV: 43%

Average Price: $40

The Story:

Made using 100% Espadin agave, El Buho Espadin is the brand’s flagship expression. On top of the high-quality of this mezcal, it should be noted that the brand is all about sustainability. They plant more Espadin agave plants than they use every year.

Tasting Notes:

On the nose, you’ll find aromas of caramel apples, freshly brewed coffee, and roasted agave. The palate transports you to a world of crisp pears, charred oak, fresh vegetable sweetness (green peppers), buttery caramel, and a nice mix of salt and smoke. The finish leans into that caramel and briny smoke.

Bottom Line:

This is a bold, well-balanced, yet reasonably priced mezcal. It’s the kind of mixing-sipping-shooting all-around mezcal you will want to continuously stock in your home bar.

Mezcal Marcanegra Dobadán

Mezcal Marcanegra

ABV: 48%

Average Price: $100

The Story:

This Joven (young) mezcal is distilled from 100% Dobadán agave that was allowed to grow from 8 to 12 years for maximum flavor. It’s distilled twice in copper pot stills. The result is a smoky, sweet, subtly spicy mezcal renowned for how it holds up in cocktails and as a sipper.

Tasting Notes:

Take a moment to give this a proper nosing and you’ll find aromas of roasted agave, ancho chilies, citrus peels, cracked black pepper, and just a wisp of smoke. The palate drives forward with notes of candied orange peels, buttery caramel, pineapple, and a nice kick of herbal smoke. The finish is smoky with a hint of vegetal sweetness.

Bottom Line:

Pair this subtly spicy, smoky mezcal with spicy or smoky Mexican dishes — think Chili Colorado or chicken mole.

Montelobos Mezcal Espadin

Montelobos

ABV: 43.2%

Average Price: $40

The Story:

This unaged Joven mezcal is made in small-batches using Espadin agave that’s roasted in underground pits before being distilled in copper pot stills. It’s known for its well-defined, mellow, balance of sweet and smoke.

Tasting Notes:

The nose is filled with the scents of fresh-cut grass, orange peel, clover honey, and a nice kick of smoky agave. On the palate, you get sweet agave, subtle pepper, a nutty sweetness, and a hint of peppery smoke. It all ends with buttery caramel, sweet agave, and herbal smoke.

Bottom Line:

Another reasonably priced offering, Montelobos Mezcal Espadin is the perfect joven for mixing. It really adds a new dimension to a smoky Paloma or margarita.

Siete Misterios Pechuga

Siete Misterios

ABV: 48.5%

Average Price: $190

The Story:

Similar to Mezcal de Leyendas, this brand’s portfolio is made up of various mezcals that were produced in different areas by different mezcaleros. Their Pechuga is made from Espadin agave in Santiago Matatlan, Oaxaca. It’s hand-milled, distilled three times with the addition of fruits and spices, and, like many Pechuga mezcals, is vapor infused with a raw chicken breast.

Tasting Notes:

On the nose, you’ll find herbal notes mixed in with caramel, sweet agave, and just a hint of smoke. The palate centers on caramelized pineapple, crisp apples, floral notes, and a backbone of roasted agave. The last flavors you’ll find are those of butterscotch and smoky agave.

Bottom Line:

Pechuga is Spanish for “breast” — denoting that this type of mezcal involves hanging a raw piece of chicken (whole chicken or breast) inside the still while the spirit is being distilled. This is a great example of the style for newbies and aficionados alike.

Doña Vega Espadín

Doña Vega

ABV: 43%

Average Price: $45

The Story:

This artisanal, small-batch mezcal is made using hand-picked 100% Espadin agave. Distilled to proof, it’s a trifecta of pepper, juicy fruits, and briny, roasted agave. It’s unaged, yet surprisingly mellow and easy to drink.

It’s also a tremendous mixing mezcal.

Tasting Notes:

Take a moment to breathe in the aromas of raw earth, grass, roasted agave, and a nice hint of sweet barbecue smoke. Take a sip and you’ll find flavors of ripe pineapple, grassy agave, guava, and almond cookies — all anchored by an undercurrent of smoke.

The finish is sweet, smoky, and subtly peppery — a classic mezcal closing.

Bottom Line:

If you’re looking for an herbal, earthy, complex, smoky expression, this mezcal checks all the boxes. As a bonus, it’s surprisingly cheap.

Mezcal Vago Espadin

Mezcal Vago

ABV: 50.5%

Average Price: $42

The Story:

Founded 2013, Mezcal Vago is focused on building relationships with sustainable small farm operators. Their mezcals, including Vago Espadin, are produced by small, family-run mezcal producers. This particular mezcal was distilled by maestro mezcalero Aquilino Garcia Lopez in Candelaria Yegole, Oaxaca.

Tasting Notes:

On the nose, you’ll notice aromas of fresh-cut grass, roasted agave, vanilla, and flowers smelled from a distance, along with subtle smoke. On the palate, flavors of sweet agave, banana, honey, buttery caramel, and herbal smoke are prevalent. The finish is long, warming, and ends with a nice mixture of pepper and smoke.

Bottom Line:

If you want to try an authentic, family-made mezcal, this is a great option. Especially for the price.

Del Maguey Pechuga

Del Maguey

ABV: 46%

Average Price: $189

The Story:

The most interesting thing about this mezcal is that most of the action happens after the initial distillation. Del Maguey takes its Minero Mezcal and adds it back into a pot-still along with apples, plums, pineapples, almost, plantains, and rice. Then, like all Pechugas, they hang a raw chicken breast over the still for the distillate vapor to travel through.

Tasting Notes:

Before sipping, take a moment to breathe in the aromas of licorice, figs, cinnamon, and vanilla, all balanced out by a solid note of agave smoke. Take a sip and you’ll find anise, cracked black pepper, buttery caramel, and vegetal agave. The finish is long, warming, sweet, and ends with a nice kick of spicy smoke.

Bottom Line:

Historically, Pechuga mezcal is made in extremely small batches to share with friends and family on special occasions. Buy a bottle of Del Maguey Pechuga and share it with your family to toast the (still forthcoming) end of the pandemic.

Ilegal Mezcal Joven

Ilegal Mezcal

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $38

The Story:

This small-batch mezcal is distilled by fourth-generation mezcaleros. The brand’s Joven Mezcal, from Santiago Matatlan, Oaxaca, is made with 100% Espadin agave before being distilled two times. It’s unaged and well-known for its subtly spicy, smoky, and sweet flavor notes.

Tasting Notes:

On the nose, you’ll find notable scents of fresh-cut grass, herbal hints, crisp apple, and spicy green pepper. On the palate, you’ll find orange peels, buttery caramel, light vanilla, ancho chilies, and a nice smoky backbone. The finish is filled with sweet butterscotch and smoky agave.

Bottom Line:

When it comes to smoky, sweet mezcals perfectly suited for mixing, there’s no better option (for the price) than Ilegal Mezcal Joven.

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Taylor Swift Gave $50,000 To A Mother Of Five Children Who Lost Her Husband To COVID-19

As coronavirus vaccines become available to more people around the country, the hope is that this pandemic will finally come to an end soon. But returning to normalcy will be difficult for who’ve seen irreversible damage come to their lives. That’s the case for Memphis native Vickie Quarles, a mother of five daughters whose husband, Theodis Ray Quarles, passed away from COVID-19. Vickie had a GoFundMe set up by her “dear friend” DeQuanda Smith and it caught the attention of Taylor Swift and her mother, who made a generous donation of $50,000.

The GoFundMe’s description revealed Vickie’s husband passed away exactly one week before Christmas. It also shared a sad note about Vickie and Theodis’ last interaction. “When the paramedics arrived to the Quarles’ home to transport Theodis to the hospital for breathing difficulties, Vicki wasn’t allowed to accompany her husband due to quarantine restrictions,” it read. “Little did she know that this would be her final engagement with her best friend.”

Taylor and her mom’s donation helped push the GoFundMe nearly $12,000 past its goal of $50,000. This is not the first time in recent months that the singer has helped out a family in need. Back in December, she gave $13,000 each to a pair of mothers, Nikki Cornwell of Nashville and Shelbie Selewski from Michigan, who were struggling to pay their bills.

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Report: The Sixers Are Linked To Kyle Lowry, Lonzo Ball, And More Ahead Of Thursday’s Trade Deadline

The Philadelphia 76ers sit atop the Eastern Conference standings as the 2021 NBA trade deadline looms. While Joel Embiid is currently on the shelf with a knee issue, the initial prognosis is relatively encouraging and, even without him, the 76ers have fared reasonable well behind Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris, and company. To that end, the 76ers are a legitimate contender to reach the 2021 NBA Finals but, despite their lofty 30-13 record, many believe Philadelphia must add perimeter help to cement their status. As such, it isn’t terribly surprising to see the 76ers mentioned as conceptual suitors on the trade market but, on Tuesday, Philadelphia was linked to a bevy of potentially available guards.

First, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that Philadelphia has interest in Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry, even with a limit on how far they’d like to go with regard to a trade package.

Lowry is a Philadelphia native and, in the present, he would substantially help the 76ers as a two-way player with the ability to space the floor, handle the ball, and defend. Lowry turns 35 years old this week, however, and is reported to be looking for a contract extension wherever he may land via trade.

Beyond Lowry, the 76ers are now tied to potential pursuits of fellow Raptor Norman Powell, as well as Lonzo Ball and George Hill.

Ball is a big name on the market, not only because he is a former No. 2 overall pick, but also because he is playing at the highest level of his career. The Clippers are rumored to have interest in his services, and Ball has popped up in rumblings with many teams, which makes sense for a player set to hit restricted free agency this summer.

As for Powell and Hill, they are less “sexy” options in the conventional sense, and they would fill different roles in Philadelphia. Powell is a shotmaker, shooting well above 40 percent from three-point range, but he is more of a wing and less of a play-maker than the other guards discussed. Hill is a pure role player at this stage, but he doesn’t seem to have any kind of long-term future in Oklahoma City, and he is a proven three-point shooter that can function as a secondary ball-handler and hold up at an adequate level on the defensive end.

With Daryl Morey at the helm, no one should be surprised that that 76ers are working the phones in the hours before the deadline. Whether they land a big fish remains to be seen, but Philadelphia likely suspects they are one piece short on the perimeter and there are myriad options available before the final buzzer sounds on Thursday afternoon.