Philadelphia 76ers: Making the case for/against re-signing each free agent

Furkan Korkmaz

The Sixers had no interest in future popping of ‘The Kork’ when they declined his option for 2019-2020 back in October, a move they were ripped for by many, including me.

Korkmaz is only 21 years old and has a lot of skill; unfortunately playing defense is not one of them, but he has the ability to drill a three-pointer. After his option was declined, Korkmaz played well, even starting some games. He suffered a knee injury in early February but came back for the playoffs. Brown shocked everyone by giving him first quarter minutes against Brooklyn but that did not last long (see defense, lack of).

Do the Sixers want him?

Obviously not. His option was, by NBA standards, a pittance at $2.2 million but in one of his first decisions as GM, Brand turned it down. Maybe he was thinking ahead to clear as much cap room as possible, but it was seen as odd at the time to give up on a 21-year old star of the Turkish national team you made a first-round selection.

(After Korkmaz was selected with the No. 26 pick in the 2016 draft by the Sixers, Toronto took Pascal Siakem at No. 27.)

Would other NBA teams have any interest and how much would Sixers pay to keep him?

Korkmaz is young, played well in big international competition and had some moments with the Sixers. A team will take a chance on him, most likely a one-year minimum deal. Supposedly an ace outside shooter but his percentage from three-point range (32.6 percent) is actually lower than T.J. McConnell’s.

Final answer: The only way he returns to Sixers is if he has no other offers on a non-guaranteed contract.