If there was any speculation or doubt about whether Dario Saric will be joining the Sixers or not, Saric seemed to ease some of those doubts on Monday. Through translation, Saric reportedly said he will leave his contract as soon as possible to join the Sixers.
Acquired by the Sixers on 2014 Draft Day, Saric was in a bind that prevented him from joining the team. In the days leading up to the draft, he decided to sign a three-year contract with the Anadolu Efes to play in the Euroleague.
Because it was a three-year deal he signed, and the overall state of the Sixers in general, there was speculation he would never make it to Philadelphia. The scenario in which benefits Saric most, financially, would be playing out the three-year contract with the Efes. Not only would he be able to earn the maximum amount on the contract, but he also would not be subjected to the rookie wage scale in the NBA, because he would be three years removed from being drafted.
Despite that, he still apparently plans to come. In his current agreement, there is a buyout after two seasons. Taking the buyout to come overseas to Philadelphia appears to be his most likely route.
He spoke about his plans to Jutarnji list, a major Croatia newspaper. On his situation with the Sixers and the communication he’s had, he said:
“U stalnom sam kontaktu sa Sixersima, oni bi me htjeli što prije, no imam ugovor s Efesom. Raskinuti ga nije isto što i otići na plac i kupitikilogram krastavaca. No, na ljeto ću ipak otići jer imam izlaz u ugovoru.”
Thanks to Derek Bodner of Philly Mag and Google translate, we can figure out what it means in English. Bodner’s translation of the quote reads as following:
"I am in constant contact with the Sixers. They wanted me as soon as possible, but I have a contract with Efes," Saric said, according to Google's translation of the article. "In the summer I will still go because I have a way out in the contract."
In fairness to Saric, the speculation on whether he come has never been sourced to him. The 21 year old has said since draft day he intends to come to the NBA and Philadelphia.
Through three games this season, he is averaging 12.3 points in 21 minutes.
