The Philadelphia 76ers are likely to be active as the NBA trade deadline approaches. Basketball Insiders' Steve Kyler reports Philadelphia is "open for business," with point guard Michael Carter-Williams and the team's unfilled salary cap space the two best assets the 76ers have to offer.
Philadelphia reportedly shopped Carter-Williams, the reigning Rookie of the Year, during the 2014 draft to no avail. He's been believed to be available since then, but only for the right offer. Kyler reported on Tuesday that's still the case.
Per Kyler:
"That's where the rumors involving his name come from. It's not so much a desire to move him as a realization that he probably isn't a good enough shooter to lead a playoff team and his personality has grated on some of his teammates. 76ers head Brett Brown likes Carter-Williams' passion, but as the 76ers continue to organize their pieces Carter-Williams may be the odd man out in the long-term.
"In the short-term, there are no issues that are prompting the 76ers to sell him off, but they'd listen to calls and offers."
Carter-Williams's trade value isn't helped by the fact he's currently sidelined with a bad toe.
Philadelphia's other major asset is their salary cap space. With only $43.6 million on the books this season, the 76ers essentially have to spend $13.1 million to reach the cap minimum. If they don't reach the minimum by the end of the season, the difference must be dispersed and usually ends up being split among the players on the roster. General manager Sam Hinkie could use the cap space to take on an unfavorable contract from another team in exchange for an asset to use in the future.
"The Sixers have for some time been willing to rent their cap space in exchange for draft picks or rookie-scale players and that doesn't look like it will change at the deadline," Kyler wrote. "The 76ers have a ton of low dollar, somewhat disposable guys so making a deal that offloads an ugly contract to the 76ers in exchange for a cheaper guy to play or waive isn't out the realm of possibility."
The NBA trade deadline is on Feb. 19.
