Sixers' Turner downplays trade rumors

BROOKLYN - The rumors and reports will go on and on and on, probably almost daily until he is shipped elsewhere or the season mercifully comes to an end.

Yesterday, a report by The Sporting News said the 76ers were actively shopping Evan Turner, saying the Phoenix Suns had interest in the fourth-year swingman.

It is no secret that Sixers general manager Sam Hinkie is looking at and listening to any and all proposed deals when it comes to his team. Whether something happens with Turner or Thaddeus Young or Spencer Hawes won't be a shock, but, for now, nothing seems imminent.

"I really don't read the paper; whatever is going to occur is going to occur," said Turner, who is having his most productive season with a team-leading 18.1 points a game entering last night's game against the Nets. "I just focus on the next day. That's the honest-to-God truth. Until it happens, it's nothing to really worry about.

"I bleed Sixers red, white, blue. At the end of the day, I never really worry about it. If something needs to be discussed, [his agent] will let me know. Other than that, you go with the flow and go about your business. Whatever happens, happens."

The Sixers can make Turner an $8.7 million qualifying offer after the season. If they don't, he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

The Sixers decided not to sign 7-foot center Dewayne Dedmon for the rest of the season after his second 10-day contract expired Sunday. During his brief stay of 11 games, the Southern California product averaged 3.4 points and 4.5 rebounds while blocking nine shots.

"Really, it's just the stage that we're at, having the flexibility to continue to look," coach Brett Brown said. "He did everything that we asked of him. I really liked having him around. I liked what I saw. He did enough for us to continue to pay attention, but it's just the nature of our landscape. We're trying to identify and build and keep moving on with people that we want to see. We'll continue to pay attention to him. I think that he has some unique skills."

With Dedmon's 13.7 minutes gone, Brown expects Lavoy Allen will see some extra minutes.

Spencer Hawes spent the team's off day on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, watching his beloved Seahawks trounce the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl.

A Seattle native, Hawes often is seen after practices wearing his Marshawn Lynch jersey.

"It was just a ton of fun, from the time you got there and killing time in the parking lot to going to the tailgate beforehand," Hawes said. "The whole experience, they really do a variety. And then the way the game started off and knowing that there was so many Seattle fans there, making all that noise. Then [yesterday] Peyton [Manning] said that's what happened on the first play, so it was almost like a home game. It was just fun, fun to be a part of and be a fan, and finally have a team from Seattle break through for the first time since 1979."

Hawes was first referring to the safety at the start of the game when an errant snap sailed over Manning's head and into the end zone. As for the last Seattle championship, pat yourself on the back if the names of "Downtown" Freddie Brown, Jack Sikma, Dennis Johnson or Gus Williams came to mind.