The 23 year old Michael Carter-Williams is coming off a stellar season after capturing the NBA's Rookie of the Year Award - and the race wasn't even close. The former Syracuse guard took a commanding 104 of the 124 first-place votes and was the only bright spot in a rebuilding 76ers team. Surprisingly, Carter-Williams has been involved in numerous trade rumors in recent months and Zach Lowe of Grantland reports the buzz that emerged around the NBA draft was accurate:
They tried hard during the draft, but they couldn't draw the trove they envisioned or guarantee that the player they wanted with an acquired pick would be there, per several league sources. Expect Philly to repeat the exercise. It's not a shot at Carter-Williams, or even a signal that the Sixers are dying to trade him. He may well end up a long-term cog in Philly.
The team knows point guard is the most replaceable position in the league today, and it will seek out any deal that adds to its stockpile of high-value draft picks.
As of now, Carter-Williams is rehabilitating from a shoulder injury that he injured back in May. Prior to the injury, though, MCW was simply sensational, finishing the 2013-14 season with 16.7 points, 6.3 assists and 6.2 rebounds per game. He is one of only 3 players in the history of the league to average 16 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists in a rookie season, the other players being Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson.
Philadelphia's general manager Sam Hinkie loves to hoard assets and with the coming season almost already set for another tanking campaign, he could be looking at building for the future. The Sixers also have more than $20 million in cap space to fill up to meet the minimum which makes it highly possible for them to become active around the trade deadline.
But if the Sixers are gearing for the future it doesn't make sense why they are trying to move a young, talented player like Carter-Williams. R. Cory Smith of Bleacher Report is in disbelief of such a move by Philadelphia:
To think that the 76ers would be willing to trade that type of talent seems outrageous, but Lowe apparently believes the talks will continue. Philly may have several talented young prospects in Nerlens Noel, K.J. McDaniels and Joel Embiid, but Carter-Williams is an emerging star.
Truly, if the franchise is preparing to make a big run in the future, Michael Carter-Williams should be the one leading the team.
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