The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers Bryan Colangelo Targeting Power Forward In Off-Season

By Bret Stuter

Apr 4, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) on the bench during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Wells Fargo Center. The Brooklyn Nets won 141-118. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) on the bench during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Wells Fargo Center. The Brooklyn Nets won 141-118. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 13, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) shoots a three-point shot in the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) shoots a three-point shot in the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

II  Ersan Ilyasova

The Philadelphia 76ers dealt power forward Ersan Ilyasova in the belief that the team had little chance of retaining the player with a renewed contract for the future in team friendly terms. That encouraged the team to trade the very competent stretch-four to the Atlanta Hawks for Tiago Splitter, a second round pick, and a second round pick swap.

In the end, that was not a bad deal at all for the Philadelphia 76ers.  The team did not extend an offer for Splitter to remain with the team, but they did improve their 2017 NBA Draft position.  As of right now, the team is open to offers for both picks acquired in this trade: the 46th and 50th picks.

While Ilyasova is a solid player, the Philadelphia 76ers will not be able to realistically compete for his services if the Atlanta Hawks want to retain him.  You see, the Hawks have his Bird Rights. That allows the Hawks to exceed the salary cap if they want to retain him in the future.

The spirit is willing to bring back Ilyasova. But that option likely ended at the 2017 NBA trade deadline.