PHILADELPHIA — The trade deadline is hours away and the Philadelphia 76ers figure to be one of the more active teams as they seek roster upgrades. They have to find a way to stay afloat in the Eastern Conference with Joel Embiid out until early March at the earliest.
One player who could be moved is Furkan Korkmaz. The seven-year veteran is on an expiring deal, and the Sixers could move him for some pieces before the 3 p.m. EST deadline on Thursday.
Korkmaz requested a trade in the past as he looks for more playing time, and he has fallen out of favor in Philadelphia. As the deadline approaches, however, he knows it’s out of his control.
“I believe it’s hard for anybody,” Korkmaz told Sixers Wire. “It’s just that time of the year when your phone is on all night and then you just wanna see what’s going on, what’s happening, you know? It’s not something you can control and then that’s kind of part of our business, too.”
Korkmaz has grown up with the Sixers. He signed with the Sixers in the 2017 offseason, and he learned a lot while going through a lot of controversies in Philadelphia. He produced when the time called for it and he did a good job giving Philadelphia a spark when needed.
If Wednesday’s loss to the Golden State Warriors was his final game with the Sixers, it was a ride he will not forget.
“I think I’ve been a really good professional here,” Korkmaz added. “I grew up in this organization. This organization gave me a lot. Like I said, when I got here, I was 19 years old and now I’m 26 and it’s a long journey. I’ve seen coaches. I’ve seen a lot of players. It’s been an incredible experience. We’ll see what’s gonna happen.”
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