Slamming Sammy

Maybe the 76ers organization wasn't slamming Sammy Dalembert, but general manager Ed Stefanski was definitely trying to get rid of him before Thursday's trade deadline, league sources confirmed to the Inquirer's Kate Fagan.

The team was unsuccessful -- no kidding -- but the attempt is an interesting look into how the front office views the current situation. There is no getting rid of Elton Brand and his contract any time soon, so he'll be back next season.

Rather than have two ponderous big men on the court a year from now, slowing things down and eating minutes better given to Thad Young, Marreese Speights and (possibly Jason Smith), the Sixers were looking to move past Dalembert. With Sam gone, Brand could play more at the center position, perhaps in the high post, which would give him a fighting chance to get back on defense.

They tried it the easy way. In the offseason, the Sixers might have to find a new home for Dalembert -- who has two more years and $25 million left on his contract -- the more difficult way. Either way, however, it seems the Sixers have made a decision about their future direction and it won't include Sammy.