The Philadelphia 76ers have decided to set their focus on the upcoming NBA Draft and free agency over some of their current stars. As a result, the team is shopping several players before the deadline. Rumors have been swirling about who of young core is likely gone by the end February and right now, all signs point to Evan Turner and Spencer Hawes gone while Thaddeus Young remains.
Tim Moore of Bucks County Courier Times reports that the 76ers are shopping Turner first and foremost. General manager Sam Hinkie is not committed to Turner for the long haul no matter how well the star is playing. Turner's contract also works in favor of any team looking to acquire a two-month rental. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent with an $8.7 million team option for 2014-15. Right now, Hinkie would like a first-round draft pick in return for Turner, but that is not likely to happen, considering most teams are not aiming to pick up the final year of the deal.
Young on the other hand is reportedly off the market altogether. Steve Kyler of Basketball Insider reports the 76ers appear set on keeping Young past the trade deadline. Young had been on the market for the past month with Philadelphia attempting to package him with Turner in any current deal, but the market has not picked up with most teams feeling like the team's asking price is too high.
Young is currently having a career season. He is averaging 17.3 points per game and 6.4 rebounds a game. Getting rid of him and Turner would essentially mean Philadelphia is tanking the season and giving up on their core group of players.
Hawes and Turner are certainly an intriguing trade package. Both have expiring contracts, both are putting up career numbers and both are thriving in up-tempo offenses. So who could make a play for the two players before the Feb. 20 deadline? The los Angeles Lakers have reportedly taken interest in Turner, but have not mentioned Hawes. With both Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash suffering injury setbacks, the team needs help and fast. Mitch Kupchak has stressed the team would not be active in the trade deadline, but they also do not intend to tank the season. A deal could get done.
SBNation also brings up the Oklahoma City Thunder as a strong option to make a run at Turner, Hawes or both. The team had shown interest in Turner in the past and the right asking price could make things work. Young appears set to stay with the 76ers and honestly so could Turner and Hawes. No team will give up a top draft pick for a rental player.
