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Sixers finalizing trade to send Ersan Ilyasova to the Atlanta Hawks

By Chuck Booth

Feb 13, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) shoots a three-point shot in the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) shoots a three-point shot in the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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The trade deadline is looming, and it seems like the Sixers are finally beginning to make moves on the market.

The Sixers are widely expected to trade one of their centers but according to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, it looks like the guy to get moved first will be the Turkish Destroyer himself, Ersan Ilyasova. The deal would send Ilyasova to the Hawks in exchange for Tiago Splitter and two second round picks in an exchange that on its own, doesn’t add up.

There was talk about the Sixers signing Ilyasova to an extension due to him bringing the best out of Joel Embiid when the two are on the court together but the recent emergence of Dario Saric may have squashed that. Saric should be starting for the team but it’s interesting that out of all of the guys that could’ve come the Sixers’ way in exchange they got Splitter.

It’s unknown at the time how this will impact a potential Okafor or Noel trade because while Splitter will join the rotation of big men, he will be expected to be near the back end of that rotation. He has only averaged 16.1 minutes per game this season for the Hawks and it’s hard to envision him becoming an important contributor for the Sixers.

There are two reasons why this trade likely happened besides Bryan Colangelo wanting to give Saric more game time. Either the Sixers have another move up their sleeves which could happen since the team is working as hard as they can to find Okafor a home or they will buyout Splitters contract to make room for Simmons’ return.

I’m leaning towards the Simmons return piece because with the Kings entering ultimate tank mode, the Sixers don’t need to worry about losing this season. No matter what they do, the Kings will likely have a worse record meaning that the pick swap will materialize.

Next: Jahlil Okafor Rumored To Be Drawing Interest From Pacers

It’s definitely a weird trade but if the Sixers aren’t planning to re-sign Ilyasova, it makes sense to ship him off for something rather than let him walk for nothing when the season ends.