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With the Houston Rockets supposedly ending trade talks regarding disgruntled backup center Omer Asik, Liberty Ballers has learned that one of the rumored names the Sixers were dangling has asked for a trade. Thaddeus Young, having been with the Sixers his entire career, has asked Sam Hinkie for a trade.
Young and his agent, Jim Tanner, submitted a fromal trade request to Hinkie and the Sixers weeks ago, according to a source close to Young.
"Thad is ready to leave Philly," the source said. "He isn't with the whole tanking thing." The Sixers are currently last in the Atlantic Division at 7-19.
Source: Weeks before his name came up in Omer Asik trade talk, Thaddeus Young submitted a formal trade request to the #Sixers weeks ago.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) December 19, 2013
When Tanner informed Young that the Rockets had called about the tweener forward, Young grew excited about the opportunity to leave the Sixers, though he's loved his time here. The chance to play for a contender with legitimate championship aspirations is too enticing.
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"Thad is kind of anxious," the source said Wednesday afternoon while Asik talks were still ongoing. "He just wants them to do the trade if they are. He hates waiting. [Playing for a contender] would be great because the Sixers definitely aren't making the playoffs this year."
The Sixers drafted Young out of Georgia Tech with the 12th overall selection in the 2007 NBA Draft. Philadelphia then rewarded Young, viewed as a consummate pro, with a 5-year, $43 million contract in 2011 after averaging 12.7 points and 5.3 rebounds in just 26.0 minute per game in 2010-2011. Since, Young has turned into one of the most valuable "glue-guy" players in the league for his contract and level of steady production.
Brett Brown's system has helped Thad's counting stats this season, averaging 15.8 points and 6.6 rebounds in 32.7 minutes per game. Naturally his on-court production and reputation as a high-character individual has his trade value fairly high.
And while Young has appreciated his time with the team and the city, he and his family started the Young For Youth Foundation to aid and support "at-risk" children in the Philadelphia area, his time with the 76ers is certainly running out.
"Playing for the Sixers is wasting a year of Thad's career," the source said.
We'll see when the Sixers oblige him.
