Bynum deal is done
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Bynum deal is done
John Mitchell, Inquirer Staff Writer
It’s official.
Earlier today the Sixers announced that the team’s acquisition of Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum and guard Jason Richardson of the Orlando Magic – key parts in the four-team mega deal that sent Dwight Howard to the Lakers – was ratified by the league.
"We are very excited to welcome Andrew Bynum, one of the league's best, young centers, and Jason Richardson, a proven, respected veteran, to the Philadelphia 76ers," said Managing Owner Josh Harris. "As we stated from the outset, our ownership group is committed to exploring every option available to us in order to improve our team. This trade is the culmination of a very active off-season, one that we believe positions the Sixers for success this season and for many years to come."
The cost to the Sixers was sending long-time forward Andre Iguodala to the Denver Nuggets, and center Nik Vucevic and rookie forward Maurice Harkless to the Magic along with a protected first-round pick.
In seven seasons, the 24-year-old has appeared in 392 games with 300 starts, averaging 11.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.60 blocks in 26.0 minutes per game while shooting 56.6% from the floor. He was the 10th overall pick by the Lakers in the 2005 draft.
Richardson (6-6, 225) was originally the fifth overall pick by Golden State in the 2001 draft.
The 11-year veteran has appeared in 805 games with 794 starts, averaging 17.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.17 steals in 34.6 minutes per game while shooting 44.1% from the floor and 37.2% from 3-point range.
- So, your tellin me there's a chance!
— mariord - Huh...this is the second time we've traded an AI to Denever.— 3-hit shutout
- I've been watching Harkless in the summer league and I'm not very impressed. I'm just glad that the Sixers are at least trying to get better. If Bynum signs, we have a chance to be contenders in 2 to 3 years.— Corey301
- Not fair, as he played but one game, then 6 minutes of another with a hip flexor that he came to Rookie Camp with...that being said, he's a project at this level,albeit a talented one....Regarding Bynum, I agree that he'll give the Sixers a dimension only a few other teams int he NBA will have, and physicality that they are in dire need of. — bearsfriend
- Can't wait 2 see what the 76ers get 4 Bynum at the trade deadline...I'm only half Kidding with that comment...If they are a middling team with the Heat & C's/Knicks/etc looking REAL good, & Bynum doesn't seem to want to sign an extension by than, they could get a King's ransom 4 Him if He is Healthy at that point in the Season. Again, if they don't think they R a lock for the ECF (progress from last season), than trade Him.— DaHurricane
- We paid a high price, but not too high. You have to give up something to get something. Before the trade, the Sixers were a nice, hustling club, but they probably would've never been better than a #6 seed without a big man. We now a have a chance to be a real factor.— nmlawyer
- Dragon13-If we gave up too much then we wouldn't be a better team.— HTBNM#
- With Bynum on the floor we can let Thad start at the 4 and dominate other 4's with his quickness.— Zeru
- What's the Sixers draft record with first rd picks? I'm referring to those complaining about Harkless. With their track record, I predict Harkless will be another Larry Hughes and at best another Evan Turner. I do agree that Harkless was the tipping point of giving up more than we should but the Sixers will have plenty of chances to get players the caliber of those they gave up. It's been 30 years exactly since they got a bona fide dominant big man not even entering his prime. For that, it was worth overpaying a bit.— Alycia Layn
- What's the Sixers draft record with first rd picks? I'm referring to those complaining about Harkless. With their track record, I predict Harkless will be another Larry Hughes and at best another Evan Turner. I do agree that Harkless was the tipping point of giving up more than we should but the Sixers will have plenty of chances to get players the caliber of those they gave up. It's been 30 years exactly since they got a bona fide dominant big man not even entering his prime. For that, it was worth overpaying a bit.— Alycia Layn
- What's the Sixers draft record with first rd picks? I'm referring to those complaining about Harkless. With their track record, I predict Harkless will be another Larry Hughes and at best another Evan Turner. I do agree that Harkless was the tipping point of giving up more than we should but the Sixers will have plenty of chances to get players the caliber of those they gave up. It's been 30 years exactly since they got a bona fide dominant big man not even entering his prime. For that, it was worth overpaying a bit.— Alycia Layn
- What's the Sixers draft record with first rd picks? I'm referring to those complaining about Harkless. With their track record, I predict Harkless will be another Larry Hughes and at best another Evan Turner. I do agree that Harkless was the tipping point of giving up more than we should but the Sixers will have plenty of chances to get players the caliber of those they gave up. It's been 30 years exactly since they got a bona fide dominant big man not even entering his prime. For that, it was worth overpaying a bit.— Alycia Layn
- This is all about dumping Iggy's contract for one that's expiring. 14.7m this year, 15.9 in 2013-14. With that off the books they might be able to make a move in free agency next year, while putting people in the seats this year. When was the last time anyone was talking Sixer's basketball in August? Smart trade.— DrumsAndBeer
- Love this but ONLY if Bynum signs here!!! Gave away a lot for a short term player if he does not sign and that was a big roll of the dice. Hope it works out.
I would like Turner in the 4 and not at guard. How about Richardson and Jrue at G with Turner, Bynum, and wright?— connorjr - To think Evan Turner can play the 4 is hilarious.... Lebron James, Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, Pau Gasol, Kevin Garnett, Carlos Boozer, Amare Stoudamire, Deker Favors, Paul Milsap, Kevin Love are 4's- Evan Turner could not defend any of them. — Iceberg23
John Mitchell is in his second year covering the 76ers for the Inquirer after joining the paper in November 2011. He covered the Washington Wizards for the Washington Times from 1998 to 2008. He's also worked at the Philadelphia Tribune, the Wilmington News Journal, Courier-Post, Trenton Times and Elmira Star-Gazette.Born and raised in West Philadelphia - not too far from Will Smith - he graduated from Overbrook High School the same year the 76ers won their last championship. He's a proud graduate of Howard University and the proud father of two sons, Jared and Jordan.
ABOUT MARC NARDUCCI
Marc Narducci has served in a variety of roles with the Inquirer since beginning in 1983. He has covered the 76ers as a backup and a beat writer. In addition, Narducci has covered everything from the Super Bowl to the World Series and a lot in between. Narducci also has a true passion for South Jersey scholastic sports, which he has covered for many years.
