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Trade Deadline Could've Been: Evan Turner Nearly Traded To Lakers
By Jake Pavorsky on Feb 21 2014, 9:00a

Come 3:30 P.M. Thursday, word was out that Evan Turner was on his way to Indiana, packaged with Lavoy Allen in return for Danny Granger and a second round pick. But in the hour leading up to the trade deadline, Turner looked to be headed way out west.

Sources confirm to Liberty Ballers that the Sixers and the Los Angeles Lakers were in discussions for the former 2nd overall pick, and were looking for a third team to help facilitate the deal. The Lakers would have acquired Turner and multiple second round picks. Philadelphia would have received Chris Kaman, an expiring contract. Interest in Kaman was first reported by ESPN's Ramona Shelbourne.

@ramonashelburne: Lakers engaged in discussions with Philadelphia on Chris Kaman, according to sources

But the deal had the potential to go far beyond Kaman and Turner, as those within Thaddeus Young's camp believe he was involved in trade talks as well. Both the Sixers and Lakers were looking to be compensated with a first round pick, but were unable to find a third team willing to give up their top pick to make the deal work.

Philadelphia decided to cut off talks with the Lakers before it was too late, and eventually agreed to terms with the Indiana Pacers.

The Sixers spent many months rather vocally searching for a first round pick for their three trade assets, and came somewhat close to pulling it off. Alas, Evan Turner is on his way to Indianapolis, and many behind the scenes could be wondering about the deal that never went down.

WCDYNASTY wrote:I'm 50/50 on this deal... would have been great to get him but this deal would have messed with the tank

myersia wrote:Interesting debate between friends: who is a better gm Bird or Mitch? I argued that Mitch has won championships so I gave him the nod. My friends had some strong arguments for Bird though. What do you think?

LApwnd wrote:

myersia wrote:Interesting debate between friends: who is a better gm Bird or Mitch? I argued that Mitch has won championships so I gave him the nod. My friends had some strong arguments for Bird though. What do you think?

even though Bird doesn't have a ring as a GM, I would give him the slight nod due to several factors. His drafts which includes George/Hibbert I believe and solid acquistions in Hill/West and the fact he has to deal with a small market type owner that doesn't have as deep as pockets as Buss family and LA market.

Michael Lucky wrote:oh god committing to evan turner as your future is a recipe for disaster. Even Jodie Meeks has a higher efficiency rating and at least a decent attitude.

Edrees wrote:ET would be a great player to accumulate stats, keep tanking, and then develop his talent to be a piece of the championship team in 2 years. plus we'd get picks. kaman is gone after this season anyway. a shame it didn't go down.

Michael Lucky wrote:oh god committing to evan turner as your future is a recipe for disaster. Even Jodie Meeks has a higher efficiency rating and at least a decent attitude.

What was meek's efficiency rating in Phi? Wasn't it even lower than what turner has now?