All reports so far indicate the Philadelphia 76ers are still willing to trade guard Michael Carter-Williams. Basketball Insiders' John Zitzler is the latest to report Carter-Williams is still on the trade block and could be had for the right price.
The 2014 Rookie of the Year award apparently wasn't enough to keep second-year pro Carter-Williams off the trade block. While he's sidelined for another two to four months after undergoing surgery to repair his torn right labrum, team general manager Sam Hinkie reportedly is still open to moving Carter-Williams if the deal can net a future draft pick.
Per Zitzler:
"Despite Carter-Williams being one of the few Sixers to play well in the 2014-14 season, the team dangled him out there with the hope of acquiring another top draft pick. While the Sixers were unable to find a taker for Carter-Williams during the draft, it doesn't mean they have stopped looking. The team has made their intentions clear, and that is to stockpile as many assets as possible. ...
"While the fans may not like it, if the Sixers are presented with the opportunity to better themselves in the long-run by moving Carter-Williams, don't expect them to say no."
Grantland's Zach Lowe also reported Carter-Williams would likely still be on the trade block this season.
"They tried hard during the draft, but they couldn't draw the trove they envisioned or guarantee that the player they wanted with an acquired pick would be there, per several league sources," Lowe wrote Oct. 14. "Expect Philly to repeat the exercise. It's not a shot at Carter-Williams, or even a signal the Sixers are dying to trade him. He may well end up a long-term cog in Philly.
"The team knows point guard is the most replaceable position in the league today, and it will seek out any deal that adds to its stockpile of high-value draft picks."
In his rookie year, Carter-Williams averaged 16.7 points, 6.3 assists and 6.2 rebounds per game. One problem in moving him, though, is the point guard market is deep - seemingly not many teams would give any draft picks of value for the young guard when they can find an upgrade at the 1-spot for a cheaper cost.
