Michael Carter-Williams is the most decorated player on the Philadelphia 76ers roster and yet he is the one that has his name tossed up in trade rumors every time a deadline gets close. After winning Rookie of the Year in 2014, the 76ers have been aiming to trade Carter-Williams to the highest bidder. While Philadelphia will not mention the word "tanking" getting rid of Carter-Williams would be the final stretch to making that a reality.
According to Chad Ford of ESPN, the 76ers are once again looking to trade Carter-Williams before the February deadline. Ford writes that most of the Philadelphia front office does not view Carter-Williams as a long-term asset to the team and they have been quietly looking for deals since the NBA Draft. The question becomes what Philadelphia can ask for in return given the team is in acquisition mode right now looking to load up on expiring contracts and draft picks.
Carter-Williams has not been blowing anyone away this season, but that is technically hard to do on a team only slightly better than the New York Knicks. The point guard is averaging 15.3 points and 7.2 assists per game while shooting just 38.1 percent from the field and 23.7 percent from beyond the arc. However, compared to the rest of the 76ers' roster, those numbers are productive and some of the best.
There could be teams interested in Carter-Williams if the asking price is just right. The Los Angeles Lakers have been eyeing a point guard trade given the injury to Steve Nash and the unproductive play of Jeremy Lin. Ideally, the team would like to get a big name that could stick around for a few seasons after Rajon Rondo was taken off the board. They have been eyeing players like Brandon Jennings and Goran Dragic, but could settle on Carter-Williams if needed.
The New York Knicks could also look his way in a deal that could greatly help the team. New York has been trying to dump off either Andrea Bargnani or Amar'e Stoudemire before the deadline. They both have expiring contracts which is ideal for Philadelphia and could be paired with one more asset to make things work. The Knicks are not invested in Jose Calderon for the long-term and could view Carter Williams as someone to develop.
The Houston Rockets and Miami Heat could also be interested in the point guard for offensive help. The deal breaker will be what Philadelphia is asking for in terms of draft picks. No one is going to hand over a player and first-rounder for Carter-Williams which could mean the point guard simply stays put.