NBA Trade Rumors: Thaddeus Young, Evan Turner Draw Interest From Eight Teams; Sixers Are Major Players Before Deadline; Looking Ahead To 2015

The Philadelphia 76ers were expected to hold their fire sale right about now. They have three veteran players drawing interest. Thaddeus Young, Evan Turner and Spencer Hawes.

The Sixers want to convert them for draft picks and future flexibility but they also want a solid asset in return. The phones have been ringing in the front office. According to Liberty Ballers:

"A source close to the Sixers has told Liberty Ballers that eight teams called the Philadelphia front office to discuss various trades involving Thaddeus Young, Evan Turner and Spencer Hawes during the month of January. Further, the source said that the Sixers have now firmly shifted their focus towards receiving one or multiple 2015 first round picks."

Why do the Sixers front office guys want 2015 draft picks? Are they affected by the possibility that some players might stay in college? Or are they planning something as Tom Moore of Bucks County Courier Times suggests:

"Let's say Turner for Okafor and the Suns' first-round selection. That would theoretically give the Sixers the fourth, 11th and 23rd selections in the June 26 draft. They could try to package Nos. 11 and 23 to move up to No. 8.

The deal would also probably produce more losses for the Sixers, which increases the chances for a higher pick."

Thus, Thaddeus Young and Spencer Hawes are already being used as bait for the future, or they Sixers might actually keep one of them. Furthermore, GMs are under the impression that the 2014 draft is loaded but most are not thinking about the 2015 draft. The price of a 2015 first rounder is still low.

Moore justifies his choice of Turner being the trade bait:

"I think Turner is more likely to be traded than Young, who has two more years on his contract, by the Feb. 20 deadline. Sam Hinkie doesn't seem to be committed to dealing Turner, Young or impending free agent center Spencer Hawes unless he gets a fair price in return. He'd love to acquire another first-round pick (preferably in 2014), but teams probably won't be willing to give up that much for a two-month rental (Turner will become an unrestricted free agent unless the Sixers or whoever he plays for picks up his $8.7 million qualifying offer for 2014-15). I wouldn't be shocked if they don't deal any of their three core veterans."

One thing is certain: The Sixers you see now will not be the Sixers you see next year. They will give Michael Carter-Williams his Rookie of the Year honor, and he is one of the few players who will stay. All the other players are questionable.