Posted: Thursday, February 24, 2011, 3:06 PM | 106 comments |
 

Sixers discussed deal for Battier
options
 

Update: 

Although the 76ers did not make a move by the 3 p.m. trading deadline, a source confirmed that they were engaged with the Houston Rockets up until the final hours before the deadline discussing a deal which involved Sixers' forward Jason Kapono and big man Marreese Speights in exchange for Rockets' forward Shane Battier. Houston ended up trading Battier to the Memphis Grizzlies for Thabeet and a first-round pick. 

This almost-trade was first reported by ESPN's Marc Stein.

Although Sixers were taking and making calls all the way up to the deadline, and this news is evidence of that, the team moves forward with the current roster. As noted in the previous post, keep an eye on Kapono and his $6.6 million contract, which could be bought out.

From earlier:

As the NBA trade madness swirled around them -- the New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, Washington Wizards, and Boston Celtics all made significant trades -- the Sixers didn't make a move by today's 3 p.m. trading deadline.

Deciding to see what this roster could do with 25 more games together, the Sixers' brass held onto all of their assets and will play out the remainder of the season without any significant trades. It's still possible that the Sixers will buy out Jason Kapono (his $6.6 million expires at the end of the season), allowing him to sign with a contender such as the Boston Celtics or Los Angeles Lakers. A source confirmed that many teams are interested in Kapono's shooting ability, should the Sixers agree to buy him out. At today's practice, Sixers coach Doug Collins said if the team did that, it would be for Kapono's sake, but it would also have to make sense for the organization. That's something the organization will consider now that no trades have been executed.

--Kate

Each week, Kate will check in from the road and answer fan questions about the Sixers. Click here to ask Kate a question or e-mail her at kfagan@phillynews.com.

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Posted by Kate Fagan @ 3:06 PM  Permalink | 106 comments
106
Comments   
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 3:23 PM, 02/24/2011
    Looks like we're settling for mediocrity again, I LOVE IT!
    — Trend Settaz
  • 1 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:22 PM, 02/24/2011
    The Celtics added a nice young player in Green to compliment their veterans. Everyone getting better by the Sixers.
    — JonKap
  • 0 like this / 1 don't   •   Posted 4:33 PM, 02/24/2011
    So, not making a trade just to make a trade is settling for mediocrity? What trades did you have in mind? Clearly, you know what the Sixers could have or should have done. A real shame Thorn or Stefanski didn't contact you for your wisdom of all things NBA.
    — sensiblephan
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:45 PM, 02/24/2011
    Why do fans keep standing up for these clowns (Thorn and Stefanski)?

    They tried to trade for Shane Battier. Enough said.

    Not convinced? Even worse, they tried to trade Speights, who Collins doesn't like, but is our only backup center and scored a bit.

    Team has a logjam at SF, no depth at Center. Trade a Center for a SF?

    I'm over being mad that they didn't trade anyone. I'm at least happy they didn't make this ridiculous rumored trade. You have to same these clowns from themselves.
    — tripleplay83
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:54 PM, 02/24/2011
    Me too!!!
    — BigVilFromWestPhil
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:54 PM, 02/24/2011
    First off, yes, US not making a trade at the deadline that potentially makes us better, is indeed, settling for mediocrity. Thank God you're not the GM, though. You probably think we can compete in the playoffs, don't you? How about you stop being idiotic & focus on the reality, and the reality is, we aren't that good of a team.
    — Trend Settaz
  • 1 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:55 PM, 02/24/2011
    ^^^
    That response was to SensiblePhan
    — Trend Settaz
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 5:33 PM, 02/24/2011
    Who has depth at center in the NBA? Like 3 teams.

    On another note: If they traded Speights for Battier I would have lost my mind.
    — BobbyHoying4Prez
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 3:34 PM, 02/24/2011
    This just in! Ed. Snider just contacted me to become President-General Manager of the Sixers for $35,000 a year, as they let Rod Thorn and Ed Stefanski go. When I told him I had no experience in either post, he assured me not to worry, that I was not expected to do anything. I will be introduced tomorrow.
    Does Sixer ownership really believe that doing nothing will lead to bigger crowds? As I noted before, Sixers at this time have the lowest average attendance per capacity of stadium in the NBA (69.6) and fourth from the bottom in overall attendance. Do they really believe, as hard as the Sixers are playing and as entertaining as they have become, they will make a splash in the playoffs with Spencer Hawes in the middle? Has Doug Collins finally decided to give Speights more floor time? I like the way they are playing, but they lack any real buzz, perhaps unfairly, but true; last night 12,000+ crowd. With the Phillies about to begin and the Flyers rolling along, and the Eagles always newsworthy, the Sixers may disappear from the front page of the sports section altogether. For their own sake, they must move at least into the 6th spot ahead of the Knicks and avoid the Heat or Celtics in the playoffs. Of course, maybe Snider et al are hoping they do meet either of those teams; at least, they would be assured of two sellouts (as well as the April 6th game against the Knicks).
    — chuckw
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 3:49 PM, 02/24/2011
    LOL you're crazy Chuck. I guess we mind as well make fun of the situation. Apparently they never had any intention of adding talent this season.
    — BigVilFromWestPhil
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 3:35 PM, 02/24/2011
    Who should they trade for not to be mediocre? Is Kobe availible? Lebron? What's the magical fantasy league, NBA live trade that u wanted?
    — wil7999
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 3:42 PM, 02/24/2011
    How about someone that can start over Hawes?
    — Trend Settaz
  • Comment removed.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:57 PM, 02/24/2011
    Wtf do you mean "who?" Are you serious?
    — Trend Settaz
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 5:38 PM, 02/24/2011
    Who????????? give a name, name your center that you can trade for under the salary structure that makes the sixers more than 1 and done, that improves the team.
    — wil7999


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About John Mitchell
John Mitchell is in his first 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.

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