NBA Trade Rumour: Charlotte Bobcats Interested in Philadelphia 76ers Guard Evan Turner
The Philadelphia 76ers may not be tanking too hard in the first half of the season, but nearing the trade deadline, they may want to tank harder and deal one of their prized possessions in shooting guard Even Turner. The Charlotte Bobcats are going the other way and want a playoff spot making them a perfect trade partner with the rebuilding 76ers.
According to the Charlotte Observer, the Bobcats are interested in getting Turner although there is no imminent deal.
The 76ers currently owns a 15-34 win-loss card—nearer to the bottom of the league than a postseason slot. By unloading the 6-foot-7 Turner, who is averaging 18.1 points and 7.0 rebounds this season, they can get more from a player who will potentially become a free agent after the 2013-2014 season.
The Bobcats with a 22-28 record is already in the playoff picture already—8th in the weak Eastern Conference. They can make a harder playoff push with a talent of Turner’s caliber as Charlotte is third worst in scoring in the league logging in just 94.3 points per game.
The Michael Jordan-owned team has what the Sixers want too: 2014 draft picks. Charlotte, aside from their own first rounder plus two conditional picks owed to them by Detroit and Portland.
Via ESPN Trade Machine here are potential Turner to Charlotte deals:
Evan Turner ($6.7M) for Ben Gordon ($13.2M) + 2014 1st round pick (from POR) + 2014 first round pick (own)
Logic for Sixers: Gordon is an expiring contract so he comes off the books after this season and the 2 first-rounders will be valuable for Philly as they continue to rebuild.
Logic for Bobcats: They get an additional scorer for their playoff push.
Evan Turner ($6.7M) + Thaddeus Young ($8.85M) for Ben Gordon ($13.2M) + Bismack Biyombo ($3M) + 2014 first round pick (own)
Logic for Sixers: Unloading Young's contract (3 years left) now will give them even more salary cap space in the future. Biyombo is a nice prospect for cheap and another pick wouldn’t hurt.
Logic for Bobcats: Not only they get Turner they also get more scorer in the front court to pair with Al Jefferson.