Sixers' Wroten subject of trade rumors

TONY WROTEN went out of his way to say how much he loves every aspect of his professional life in Philadelphia. You didn't have to look very hard to see the tinge of wonderment in his eyes, however, when he was asked about a rumor circulating that he may be part of a deal that would send him to the Los Angeles Clippers.

"You hear it. You hear what you hear, but whatever happens, happens," said Wroten, the Sixers' leading scorer at 17.2 a game. "I just control the ball on the court, really. You hear about the rumors and I let my team and my agent handle that. With this team there is a lot of change and a lot of new faces, but that's a part of the business. You just have to cherish the moment with the team when you can."

A move could be beneficial for both teams, depending on what the Sixers might be able to get, most likely in the form of draft picks. Wroten probably has made himself enticing to many teams with his ability to score and provide an unmatched amount of energy. Imagine him coming off the bench for 20 or so minutes a game for a good team. That would be quite a boost for some team and may be a role he could fulfill for a long time.

Wroten, 21, is in his third year in the NBA, his second with the Sixers. He averaged 13 points in 72 games last season.

"I'm auditioning for everybody, but I'm blessed and fortunate enough to be one of the few guys to stay on this team. It's like I feel wanted. I just continue to play for the fans and the community of Philadelphia. We'll see where it takes us.

"It's definitely what I want [to stay]. I love the city of Philadelphia, my teammates and coaches, but everything happens for a reason so we'll see how it plays out. If other teams want you, you must be doing something right. It's also a much better feeling when the team you're on wants you also. It feels good."

Wroten, a native of Seattle, could only laugh when asked what he thought about Los Angeles.

"It's a great city. It's close to home," he said. "And the weather is a lot better."

As is their custom, the Sixers acquired a player yesterday who they have no intention of seeing in their uniform.

Jared Cunningham, who was set to be released by the Los Angeles Clippers, was obtained along with cash considerations. In return, the Sixers also gave up cash considerations.

The more Furkan Aldemir gets acquainted with the NBA life, the more playing minutes he'll probably get.

In Monday's win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Aldemir came off the bench to snare 10 rebounds in 19 minutes. Last night against Milwaukee, he was the first sub off the bench, getting the call midway into the first quarter by coach Brett Brown.

Aldemir had four points and six rebounds in 18 minutes of the Sixers' 97-77 loss to the Bucks.

"It's getting a little easier," said the 6-9 forward. "I'm trying to learn the team. I'm trying to learn the system. It's not too easy to come to the NBA and play. In Europe it was kind of a different style but everyday it is getting a little easier. My coaches and teammates have been great in helping me with that.

"I think rebounding is different. If you just want the ball [more than the other guy], that makes it easier. If you don't have the energy, you can't rebound. That's my job. I hope coach is learning to trust me a little bit."

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