TSS Round Table: Should Thaddeus Young Be Traded?
By Emily Gruver
Dec 3, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Thaddeus Young (21) shoots during the first quarter against the Orlando Magic at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Drew Corrigan: Man, I’m torn with this. Thad is such a good person that I want him traded simply because he doesn’t deserve this situation. He deserves better than this. But, the other part of me wants him here. I spent some time with him this summer and he really loves Philadelphia. Not once has he complained, he’s been a class A guy. Part of me believes that he still wants to be here, no matter what the infrastructure of the team is. Thad has spent every season here, he could of went to Denver two seasons ago in free agency, but he stayed here. He really loves this team and this city, I know this for a fact. Alright, I have my answer.
No, I don’t think Thad Young should get traded. He still has two years left on his deal, so he’s worth something to us still. I’d like to see him stick around for next season. He would be a great compliment to Nerlens Noel next season, especially with his ability to hit the three-pointer (39 percent). He’s not going to bring this team a lot of wins either, so he’s not detrimental to our future the way that someone like Turner can be. Thad is a hustle player, one that doesn’t come around very often. He has all the intangibles that can’t be taught. I’d love to see Thad stick around and see what happens next season. He deserves better, but he really loves this city and team, I can tell. However, I wouldn’t be that upset if he was traded, because I know he deserves better than this.
Spencer Layman: If it’s for the right deal, I would do it. You need to make sure you get equal or better value back for him.
Curt Jenkins: I think Thad shouldn’t be traded. When his rookie contract was over he decided to stay on with the Sixers. He displays more hustle than most players on the team. The Sixers have had trouble retaining players who actually want to stay with the franchise. Thad Young is a viable piece of the team and is a fan favorite. At the end of the day I understand it’s a business. Look at it from a marketing business stand point. They need all the help they can get to keep what little fan base they have. Only if a team is considering giving up a mid round pick plus a player would I trade Thad. A solid rebounder and tough scorer, he is solid and loyal player for this team.
Kyle Neubeck: It all depends on the return. Unlike Turner and Hawes, Thad is under contract for a couple more seasons after this one, which means if they hold onto him they don’t run the risk of losing him for nothing during the offseason. But he’s not untouchable. We all love Thad because he works his tail off and seems like a legitimately good dude, but he’s another player whose ideal role is as a complimentary piece on a contender. If they can get a mid-first for him, or a late first and a prospect, I’d be thrilled, and I sincerely hope he lands in a better situation. This year is not about winning, selling tickets, or anything other than stockpiling assets for the future. If that means he has to go, happy trails, Thad.
Dante Nelson: I simply don’t know. I like Thad and have always said that the type of player he is is key for a contender. It’s just…will he be this type of player by the time the Sixers are ready to contend in at least 4-5 years? He’ll be 29-30 by then. Perhaps the rest of the team will be enough of a force that he won’t have to carry a large load. Now, 29-30 isn’t old. However, by this time, he’ll have been in the league for about 10 years, and at that mark, some players do begin to decline. He’ll have years of wear and tear. Especially since he sacrifices his body a lot. Just wondering if his body holds up. He doesn’t have an injury history to indicate he’s gonna have problems, but, ya never know. But, that’s not an immediate concern. That’s more of a “at some point he’ll be traded” type thought. Thing is, Thad right now could hurt the Sixers in getting a key player to contend with in the draft. I said/wrote before the season he had to go. I guess I still stand by it. But, he’s actually got value so I would hope they manage to get a mid round pick in the 1st round as well as another project (maybe someone with a similar Thad skill set, but the team would like an instant impact). Otherwise wait because his contract doesn’t expire this season so you won’t have him walking away for nothing. But, like I said, I hope he doesn’t hurt the Sixers’ draft spot. Did I mention I simply don’t know?
Richard Infantino Jr.: Believe it or not, even though Thad is the best veteran player on the Sixers, he probably has less trade value than Evan Turner or Spencer Hawes. Young is a great player, but he needs a very specific team and style of play to be effective. He is a stretch four who thrives in a fast paced offense and needs to play next two a traditional center who can compensate for his lack of rebounding and stress. His contract, at 8 million a year, is also harder to fit without taking some big contracts in return. The Sixers wouldn’t trade him just for an expiring contract because that is the last thing this team needs. Unlike Turner and Hawes, Young hasn’t taken advantage of the tanking to increase his statistical output because his game is completely reliant on other players setting him up. He is the fourth option on a bad team, and teams don’t tend to trade a lot of assets for those. The Sixers need some vets to help the team mature, and since they won’t get much in a trade, Young isn’t a bad veteran to have around to spread his quiet, steady work ethic.
Emily Gruver: As much as I love Thad and his hard-worker mentality, he will most likely be traded. I wish he could stay here in Philadelphia, but he deserves better. It will be interesting to see who the Sixers will get in return. There is no doubt that if he does get traded, it will be real tough to see him go.
What are your thoughts? Leave them in the comment section below!