76ers trade Furkan Korkmaz to Bulls
Speaking of Andre Drummond, I’m not sure there’s a Philly fan on Twitter who hasn’t remarked on the potential return of everyone’s favorite backup center. The former All-Star and Joel Embiid’s enemy-turned-friend has been providing steady minutes behind Nikola Vucevic in Chicago, but the Bulls are going nowhere fast — and, as fate would have it, Drummond appears to be available.
Drummond is averaging 6.7 points and 6.8 rebounds in 13.1 minutes per game on the season. Philly is well versed in his impact of the game: he’s a bruising presence on the glass who can contribute on the margins offensively, although he sometimes lets his, shall we call it creativity, get the best of him.
There’s a strong argument to be made that Drummond has been the best backup of the Embiid era to date. Especially if you don’t count Al Horford, who was paid like an All-Star starter but who ultimately slid into the backup role because of his poor play. He would give Doc Rivers a reliable veteran who, unlike the Sixers’ current “reliable” veteran, can at least stand in someone’s way as they drive to the rim.
The Bulls get Korkmaz, who is still just 25 with a track record of quality role player minutes in the NBA, as well as Harrell to help smooth over the void at backup center. Toss in a second-round pick for good measure, and the Sixers are probably in business. Drummond is making $3.6 million this season, with a player option for the same amount next season. Korkmaz is on the books for $5.4 million next season, guaranteed. Marko Simonovic, the Bulls’ second-year center who has appeared in 11 total NBA games, is here to make the money work.