The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly finalizing a trade that will send power forward Ersan Ilyasova to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for center Tiago Splitter. The two teams are also swapping second-round picks in 2017 and the Hawks are sending another second-round pick (from Miami) to Philly, per Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical.
Sixers are finalizing a trade to Ersan Ilyasova to Atlanta for Tiago Splitter and two second-round picks, league sources tell @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 23, 2017
Source: Atlanta's sending a 2017 second-round pick (via Miami) in the Sixers trade. Hawks/Sixers swapping other 2017 second-rounders.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 23, 2017
This is a nice move for the Hawks that immediately upgrades their frontcourt. Ilyasova will likely be the first big man off the bench, which bumps Mike Muscala down the totem pole a bit but gives them tremendous depth up front heading into the home stretch and playoffs.
This move also works well for Philly, as it makes more room for rookie Dario Saric to thrive.
Ilyasova is averaging 14.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game, playing an average of just under 27 minutes per game for Philadelphia.
Splitter is currently injured, dealing with a calf injury, and he’s not going to immediately be available to the 76ers.
That’s not a big deal, however, as he’s just included in the deal likely for financial purposes. Both players will be free agents after the 2016-17 season, but you have to believe the Hawks are going to do their best to retain Ilyasova after giving away a couple of draft picks.