There are some people in the Sixers ownership and in the front office, though not all, that don't see Michael Carter-Williams as a long-term piece of the puzzle. There was a lot of chatter that direction before the draft and in the past few weeks I know several teams have had exploratory discussions with the Sixers. I think the challenge right now is that the Sixers will want a lot in return and MCW's play, to date this season, hasn't warranted multiple first round picks for him. That makes him tough to deal.
When the draft was ongoing, there had been reports that the Sixers were open to trading reigning Rookie of the Year, Michael Carter-Williams. After posting impressive numbers in his rookie campaign, the Lakers were suitors for MCW, offering the Sixers Steve Nash and the number seven overall pick in exchange for him and Thaddeus Young. Last season, Carter-Williams averaged 16.7 points, 6.3 assists and 6.2 rebounds.
After missing the early part of this season due to recovery from shoulder surgery, Carter-Williams is struggling to find his offensive touch from last season, shooting just 37.6% from the floor after shooting over 40% last year. His free throw accuracy has dropped as well, going from 70.3% in 2013-14 to 63.9% this season.
Yesterday, in his weekly reader chat, ESPN's Chad Ford commented on MCW's availability and whether or not he is viewed as part of the future of the team.
I've heard a lot of rumblings from GMs that Carter-Williams is available. There are some in ownership and in the front office, though not all, that don't see him as a long-term piece of the puzzle. There was a lot of chatter that direction before the draft and in the past few weeks I know several teams have had exploratory discussions with the Sixers. I think the challenge right now is that the Sixers will want a lot in return and MCW's play, to date this season, hasn't warranted multiple first round picks for him. That makes him tough to deal.
Carter-Williams is making just above $2.3 million this season, year two of his rookie contract. If a deal arises that gives the Sixers the chance to acquire more high draft picks, expect Sam Hinkie to take things into consideration. When the team was mulling over trading him around draft time, it was thought that they may have been targeting Dante Exum to fill his spot.
The Sixers (7-30) are in Toronto (25-12) tonight for a matchup with the Raptors. Tip-off is slated for 7:30.
