Hawes expected to sign qualifying offer

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76ers center Spencer Hawes has tentatively agreed to sign the Sixers' $4.1 million qualifying offer for the 2011-12 season. Hawes is expected to be in Philly tonight. Signing the qualifying offer means that Hawes, who was a restricted free agent this off-season, will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2012.

Hawes started 81 games last season for the Sixers, his first with the club. He averaged 7.2 points and 5.7 rebounds a game. Hawes, 23, is a 7-foot center expected to compete for the Sixers' starting spot at center.

The Sixers are practicing today from 3-6 p.m. at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. With the addition of Hawes, the team now has 14 players under contract for the upcoming season.

Forward Thaddeus Young, who agreed to a 5-year, $43 million contract on Friday evening, signed his deal this afternoon and is currently undergoing his physical.

--Kate

Each week, Kate will check in from the road and answer fan questions about the Sixers. Click here to ask Kate a question or e-mail her at kfagan@phillynews.com.