Why The 76ers Should Trade Evan Turner Immediately
The Philadelphia 76ers are in tank mode. They have struggled all season long and are 15-38. Currently, they are on a 7 game losing streak, and it doesn’t appear that they will be improving anytime soon. For most of the season we have heard the rumors about Evan Turner, but recently those rumors have really heated up. The best move that Sixers can make is to trade the former 1st round pick and here’s why.
The first reason that the Sixers need to trade Evan Turner is the fact that he will not return to Philadelphia after the season. He has made it clear that he does not want to re-sign in Philly, and I’m not sure the fans want him back either. He will be expensive and new GM Sam Hinkie has bigger ideas. Moving Turner before the deadline helps Philly bring in a draft pick instead of just letting him walk for nothing in return.
The next reason that Turner needs to be traded as soon as possible is that his stock is at an all time high. Turner is averaging 17.8 points per game to go along with 6 rebounds. Those numbers are the best of his career, and there is a reason for that. Besides rising star Michael Carter-Williams, the Sixers have basically no one. Of course Turners numbers were going to improve this year and they should be even better. He is extremely overrated and people who watch him night in and night out will tell you the same exact thing.
The last and probably most important reason the Sixers need to trade Evan Turner is so that they can lose more games. That’s right, to lose more. Turner has explained to the media that he is not giving up on the season and that he is going to play to win every game. That’s a great attitude, but that’s not what the Sixers need right now.
Sam Hinkie has designed a roster that is built to lose and that’s exactly what this franchise needs to do. Turner is not helping the team by hitting game winning shots. The Sixers need to land a top 3 pick so they can draft their next superstar. Trading Turner for draft pick gives the Sixers an even bigger advantage going into the draft and without him on the floor they are bound to lose even more games.
The reasons to trade Turner are obvious but it is going to be complicated. The reports are saying that the Sixers are seeking a first-round pick in return for him and that doesn’t seem outrageous. However, people around the league seem to think that price is too steep and that they would prefer to offer expiring contracts for ET. The Sixers are going to be adamant about getting a first rounder but they should keep an open mind about receiving expiring contracts for him. While it wouldn’t be as exciting as getting another draft choice, the Sixers would be achieving Hinkie’s goal by losing more games.
A late first-round pick seems like a fair deal for any team. Turner would be great for a contending team and he could defiantly make a difference somewhere. The teams that are currently interested in Turners services are the Thunder, Spurs, and Bobcats. If Sam Hinkie is smart, he will do everything he can to move Turner before the deadline. It is likely that Turners days in Philly are numbered, and that he will be a rental for a contending team any day now.