After reports surfaced last week indicating that the Philadelphia 76ers were looking to ship Evan Turner out of the town before the NBA trade deadline, the suitors are now coming to the forefront.
According to USA Today Sports, the San Antonio Spurs and the Charlotte Bobcats could both be possible trade partners with the Sixers. The report indicates that Philadelphia is seeking a first-round draft pick to continue its rebuilding process. However, because Turner is an impending free agent, both squads could simply wait until the offseason to try and ink him to a deal.
All indications are that the 76ers are not willing to part with Turner for anything less than a first-round pick, though that may change as the Feb. 20 deadline approaches.
Source: Evan Turner will likely not get traded, but could change if Philly can get a 1st-pound pick. Turner will be a pricey attractive FA.
— Jared Zwerling (@JaredZwerling) February 6, 2014
The former No. 2 overall pick is in the midst of a career year in his fourth as a pro. Turner is averaging 17.8 points, six rebounds and 3.8assists per game, shooting 43.3 percent from the field.
Turner could be another scorer off the bench for San Antonio, which could look to make a deal for another player before the deadline to gear up for the playoff run. Danny Green is that man for the Spurs, though he’s shooting 39 percent from the beyond the arc this season.
The Bobcats are currently the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference, and perhaps adding Turner could strengthen the team’s chances of making it to the postseason. The team lacks a solid scorer off the bench, a role that may be perfect for Turner Or the team could elect to move Gerald Henderson or rookie Michael Kidd-Gilchrist out of the starting lineup to allow Turner to start at shooting guard or small forward.
Previously, the Phoenix Suns have been linked to Turner. The surprising Suns seem likely to strike a deal before the trade deadline given the fact they have a surplus of first-round picks. The teams have reportedly already had discussions about Turner, but it appears the Suns are more focused on trying to acquire Pau Gasol from the Los Angeles Lakers.
