The Philadelphia 76ers are still trying to trust the process. The team has put up most of their big men on the trade market this year, and Ersan Ilyasova is no different, per Michael Kaskey-Blomain of 97.3 ESPN.
Several teams have also reached out to the Sixers regarding power forward Ersan Ilyasova, who has been enjoying a career year in Philadelphia, according to a source with knowledge of the talks. Like Noel, many across the league view Ilyasova as an ideal fit in the preferred [floor-spacing] style of play prevalent today. The addition of a serviceable stretch-four in Ilyasova could provide a big boost to a team looking to make a final playoff push. However, like Noel, his upcoming [unrestricted] free agency limits what teams are willing to give up for him.
As Kaskey-Blomain mentions, Ilyasova is having a great year after constantly being on the move. In his time with the 76ers, the Turkish big man is averaging 15.1 points, 6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. He is shooting a career-high 12.3 shots per game (and making 44.3 percent) and also a career high 5.7 threes (36.3 percent).
Ilyasova has been part of five teams in the last three years and has been traded twice since this past summer. Shortly after the 2016 NBA Draft, Ilyasova was part of a deal that sent him from the Orlando Magic to the Oklahoma City Thunder, and it moved Serge Ibaka to the Magic. Then, just three games into the season, Ilyasova (and a protected first round pick) was sent from the Thunder to the Philadelphia 76ers for Jerami Grant.
Many teams could be in the hunt for Ersan Ilyasova due to his ability to stretch the floor. If teams aren’t looking for someone to come in and contribute, he can just be an expiring contract since his $8.4 million comes off the books at the end of the season.
The NBA Trade Deadline is quickly approaching, and the 76ers have been in a lot of rumors as of late. The deadline is Thursday, February 23.
