The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers: Furkan Korkmaz requests to be traded

Jonathan Geib|
Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Keith Pompey first reported that the Philadelphia 76ers received a trade request from Furkan Korkmaz on Monday. The 25-year-old disgruntled guard has seen his role with the team diminish this season behind a logjam of wing players on the roster.

In the last three seasons, Korkmaz had found a consistent role with the 76ers where he was averaging around 20 minutes a night, while occasionally finding his way into the starting lineup when injuries arose. Throughout his six years in the league though, he has remained relatively stagnant in terms of his shooting percentages, 35% from three-point range and 40% overall.

This year, Korkmaz has found himself forgotten behind other bench guards on the roster. He is getting less playing time than Matisse Thuybulle, Shake Milton, Tyrese Maxey, and even Danuel House. With no changes likely in the second half of the season, it should not be a surprise he wants to move on from Philly.

Korkmaz wants to find a team where he can get minutes.

There is a year and a half left on Korkmaz’s contract where he is being paid $5 million per year. So what teams might be looking to add a wing defender with Korkmaz’s skillset and what would they be willing to give up for him?

A few weeks ago, my colleague, Christopher Kline pitched three potential trades that centered around Furkan. The trade that interested me most is the one between the 76ers and Hornets as presented below.

We have seen in recent games that the 76ers could really use an upgrade at the backup center position. I feel like a broken record saying this because it has been an issue throughout Embiid’s entire tenure with the team. Plumlee would likely step in and from day 1 be one of the best backups Embiid has had.

The Hornets would receive Montrezl Harrell in addition to Korkmaz and a second-round pick from the 76ers. Charlotte is going nowhere this season and acquiring a young wing that could play well off of LaMelo Ball and Terry Rosier would help both the Hornets and allow Korkmaz to get the playing time he is seeking.

Whether it is Charlotte or elsewhere, it is all but guaranteed Korkmaz will get moved. Daryl Morey is always active at the trade deadline and is looking to make moves to upgrade this roster before Thursday’s deadline. With that in mind, Korkmaz has all but assured himself as a piece in Morey’s trading chest this year.