The Indiana Pacers have dealt veteran forward Danny Granger to the Philadelphia 76ers for fourth-year guard Evan Turner, according to Fansided.com.
The oft-injured Granger has averaged 8.3 points and four rebounds for the Eastern Conference front-running Pacers this season and long ago lost his starting small forward job to up-and-comer Lance Stephenson. Over his eight-year career, the 30-year-old former All-Star has averaged 17.6 points, including back-to-back seasons of at least 20 points per game from 2008-2010.
Still just 25, Turner is averaging 17 points, six rebounds and five assists for the rebuilding Sixers, but the outspoken swingman has also openly feuded with management about not being granted a contract extension prior to Thursday’s trade deadline. Over his career, the former Indiana star has averaged 12 points, six rebounds and three assists.
At one point earlier this season, Turner even went as far as to blast first-year GM Sam Hinkie as “not my GM.” Turner later added he doesn’t owe me anything. We’re going in different directions and everything like that.”
For the Pacers, the move is the latest sign of just how committed the organization seems to the idea of dethroning the two-time defending champion Miami Heat as the kings of the Eastern Conference this season. Just weeks ago, the team signed free agent center Andrew Bynum, adding the seven-footer to a sizeable frontline that already includes Roy Hibbert, David West and Ian Mahinmi.
Now in his ninth season, Granger also becomes a free agent at the end of the year. Expected to instantly be installed in the Sixers’ starting lineup, his performance could pay huge dividends in terms of what sort of contract he will be able to net over the summer.
As part of the deal, the Sixers also shipped forward Lavoy Allen to Indiana. In the end, it was a busy day for Philly, who also shipped forward Spencer Hawes to Cleveland and entertained offers for veteran forward Thaddeus Young.
