Evan Turner is one of the hottest names in the NBA. The Philadelphia 76ers forward has continued to build on his talent since the team drafted him with the No. 2 pick back in 2010. Now, every team wants to get a piece of him and the Sixers might be willing to let that happen as multiple trades are being explored.
Philadelphia failed to sign Turner to an extension at the Oct. 31 deadline and now he is the center piece of plenty of trade rumors. When asked about his situation with the team, Turner told USA Today, "Sam Hinkie is not my GM. He doesn't owe me anything...We're going in different direction and everything like that."
Those are pretty strong words from the team's scoring leader, meaning that Turner is likely looking to jump at the first chance he gets. The team has four months to put something together whether it be to give Turner a qualifying offer or trade him. With multiple teams interested in the small forward, a trade it is. Right now, Turner is averaging 23.4 points and 6.7 assists per game in seven matchups. His stock is high and considering he is only 25, Turner is getting lots of attention.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are the first name brought up in discussion for Turner. The team is desperate to hold on to Kevin Love who will be sought after by almost every team come 2015 when he can opt out of his contract. The New York Knicks have already announced plans to recruit the big man to play with the likes of Carmelo Anthony. As a result, Yahoo! Sports is reporting Minnesota has to put young players like Derrick Williams and Alexey Shved on the market in order to get some talent around Love, persuading him to stay with the team.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are also reportedly interested in getting in on the Turner trade rumors. The forward could fill the spot vacated by James Harden while only having to give up a player like Reggie Jackson or possibly Thabo Sefolosha.
The issue with keeping Turner around could be the fact that he is playing so well and could knock Philadelphia out of contention to get a top draft pick in 2014, something the team has reportedly been targeting. Turner and the team have clearly had a falling out since the change in management. Turner will gladly accept a move and the Sixers can capitalize off his impressive play so far this year.
